[78-L] 78s to computers

[Steven C. Barr]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Swamp Daddy" <swampdaddy at bellsouth.net>
> Chris:  Not sure what cables you have used; but, the two I tried did not 
> work well; and, I even added an extra ground wire to be sure. There was a 
> definite loss in quality via the cables I used which were "Monster" audio 
> cables (15 meters).  And, how much you loose in a casette deck transfer 
> depends on the decks doesn't it; and the tape you use too.  I've used good 
> tapes, even metallic ones at times; and, considering the frequency 
> response of most 78 material I think the casette is adequate for the few I 
> do.
>
> And, perhaps, I should have whinned a bit more about my situation.  The 
> stereo is in the living room; the computer is in the basement at the 
> opposite end of the house.  That Thorens weighs about 40 pounds and I sure 
> don't feel like packing it up and down the narrow and steep basement 
> stairs period, much less do it several times.
>
> Obviously you don't like casette performance and that's OK with me. 
> Everyone does what suits them best.  Were I involved in some professional 
> stuff I would sure do things differently; but, as I am strictly an amateur 
> at this I do what works for me, for my own satisfaction.  Do you recall 
> the days when casette decks had 2, and even 3, speeds?   Current decks 
> have only one, the ultra slow 1-7/8ths ips.   Mine (an old Sharp) has 
> 3-3/4 and 1-7/8 ips speeds (and I use the higher speed for my work).  When 
> this deck fails again (it has been repaired a number of times), I may have 
> to consider other means.
>
> In general I will agree with you that the casette method is not the best; 
> but, I'm not making CD quality restorations with the intention to sell 
> anyway.    I have another old amp I am now servicing and if I get some 
> decent output tubes I may transfer the 78 turntable and this amp 
> permanently to the basement.
>
> And, I would NOT dream of moving the computer anywhere except if the 
> basement flooded.  The case is a CoolerMaster Stacker 801, and probably 
> weighs close to 80 pounds.   Google "Coolermaster Stacker" to see how big 
> it is.
>
> And, I'm really NOT defending my method as being great, I'm simply adding 
> more information to the earlier post.
>
I taped gazillions of 78's onto cassette (well, it SEEMED like that many?) 
using
my "78 deck" (a 60's[?] RCA 3-speed "record player" with its cartridge leads
cut and redirected to a cord ending in  two phono plugs), feeding the 1-volt
output into the "Line In" jacks of my cassette deck. I even taped some (for
DL) for CB airplay that way!

Next step will be recreating that approach using a Viking (stereo) record
player...found the requisite N8-3D needle via eWotsit...but with the cord
ending in a mini-phone jack (stereo), so I can plug it into the "Line In" of
my sound card...?!

...stevenc