Best USB Turntable (for around $200)?

[R Rated Love]

I am a collector of vinyl (mostly newer stuff), and about a year back when I heard that turntables existed that could back up my records onto my computer, I was very intrigued.

I have been browsing around for a good while now, and I have stumbled upon a few USB turntables, though they both seem to have their downsides.

The two most common turntables of this type I have come across are the following:

1) http://www.amazon.com/Ion-iTTUSB-Turntable-USB-Record/dp/B000BUEMOO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3224889-3886512?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1182147428&sr=8-1

2) http://www.amazon.com/Numark-TTUSB-Turntable-with-USB/dp/B000G3FNVM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-3224889-3886512?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1182147428&sr=8-2

What I am wondering, is what exactly is the difference between these two products, aside from the brand name?

These two turntables both have quite a few downsides, and personally would not be my top pick (though I currently have no other options). I would idealy like something with a dust cover, and a rubber mat (those two both have felt).

Does anybody know if these [my "ideal" turntable as described above] exist, and where they could be found? Is there some advantage to using felt over rubber when copying a record onto your computer?

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

(Probably not too common of a topic, but this is the only real online community I am a part of, and the people at the electronics store don't know much of anything.)

[xdigitalangelx]

Of those two you listed I would go with the Numark hands down... You will get a lottttt more life out of it. The Ion seems to come with a bit of software that the Numark doesnt have, but that honestly shouldnt matter. How much money are you looking to spend? They also have little boxes you can buy for about 80 bucks or less to back up your old Records and tapes also. I believe they have them on thinkgeek.com . They aren't arent turntables but they take the sound from the one you have and push it into your computer via usb.

[R Rated Love]

I'd like to keep the cost under 300, preferably under $200.

I found the box you are speaking of, I believe...

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/mp3/85fb/

Sounds like it does what I am looking for, and at a great price (granted it would mean relocating my turntable, or buying a POS solely for this purpose). Does it use normal cables that I most likely already have? Or does it come with it's own cables?

Oh, and I guess I should've added that I would need software that is Vista-Compatible, as well.

[Minty]

Not being funny, but surely if all you want it for is to back up Vinyl you have, and most of thats new, its easier just to download the mp3 for it.

I know I have some rare-ish vinyl, but all of it is available online already.

[highpass]

Not being funny, but surely if all you want it for is to back up Vinyl you have, and most of thats new, its easier just to download the mp3 for it.

MP3s ripped from CDs (which is generally what you find online) don't have that nice warm sound to them though.

I'd suggest the Vestax PDX 3000, depending on how cheap it is over there.

In terms of software i'd suggest either Wavelab or SoundForge (either is Vista compatible), both of which can record any audio input on your PC.

[R Rated Love]

Not being funny, but surely if all you want it for is to back up Vinyl you have, and most of thats new, its easier just to download the mp3 for it.

I know I have some rare-ish vinyl, but all of it is available online already.

Most of the 7" I have have either vinyl-exclusive content, or the b-side is vinyl-exclusive. Unless someone has already copied them, and has them available for download, I would imagine they would be tough to find. (Although I have honestly not tried yet)

And Highpass, from my search the Vestax goes from $800 to nearly $1000. A little more than I am willing to spend at the moment. :p I will be sure to check out the software, though.

[highpass]

And Highpass, from my search the Vestax goes from $800 to nearly $1000. A little more than I am willing to spend at the moment. :p I will be sure to check out the software, though.

Well if they're that cheap, you might as well pick up two! (My mistake, slightly out of budget i see).

[R Rated Love]

Was talking with a friend of mine, and he suggested a turntable he had seen a few weeks back, so I went online, and sure enough, they have it on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-PL120S-Professional-Turntable-Recording/dp/B000NOAY6I/ref=sr_1_5/102-3224889-3886512?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1182410812&sr=1-5

Has both the rubber slip mat, and the dust cover. Even plays 78's. I was also told it is made from more durable materials then the other two identical ones I was originally looking at, which were solid plastic. (Plus this gives me a reason to dump the antiquated turntable I've currently got, as opposed to the solution suggested by digitalangel :))

And Highpass, from the same friend, I heard the SoundForge software works great. And for the cost, it better. He is letting me borrow it, to "try out".

Thanks for the advice, and hopefully everything works according to plan.

[xdigitalangelx]

Oh crap.... that turntable is awesome... haha... thanks for the link... I think I will be buying one of these also ... price is freaking great.