Converting Vinyl LP Records to CD With an LP to CD Recorder

There are several methods of converting your older vinyl records to cd, but the vinyl to cd recorder has to be the easiest of all.  Like many people, I have a large collection of vinyl LP records, dating back to the 1960's, but seldom play them anymore - it's too easy to slip a CD into the player.  Many of my LP's are deteriorating as well, and I don't wish to damage them further, which playing them will.  A dilemma there, and the best way to correct it is to transfer the old vinyl records to the newer CD format.

Turntables with a USB port are available, but that means transferring to a computer and burning a CD from the result.  Far easier is to purchase a CD recorder that will also play LP records (or the even older 78's and 45's).  I received just such a recorder for a Christmas gift last year, and have worked through many of my vinyl records already, easily converting them to CD.

If this sounds interesting, take a look at the following vinyl to CD recorders available for reasonable prices below.

Innovative Technology offers a nice recorder in their ITRR-501 5 in 1 Wooden Recordable Music Center. It obviously converts records to CD, but doesn't stop there. Cassette tapes may also be converted and it even includes an AM-FM radio in the handsome case.

This is the recorder I own and use, and I have been very pleased with it. The sound quality is not great, but that isn't it's purpose anyway. The CD's it records do sound good through my surround sound system, and that is what counts. You should probably be aware, however, that vinyl records never did have the sound quality of a CD, nor do they typically have the electronically enhanced bass and treble - recordings reproduce what is on the vinyl record and it will never actually be of the same sound quality as a CD original.  The recorder is easy to use, but do read and follow the directions when recording for best results. About the only negative I have to report is that it will not record onto computer grade CD disks - it requires the older "audio" disks. These are readily available, but it does mean that I need to take extra care not to get them mixed up.

The ITRR-501 includes a remote control which is handy in that the recording process will continue at the end of the record if not paused. The remote means that you don't have to stand over the recorder waiting for the record to end - just keep the remote handy and pay at least a little attention.

Teac has long been noted for fine electronics and this LP to CD recorder should be no exception.  Again converting vinyl records to CD this recorder also adds the radio, but lacks the cassette player and thus cannot convert cassettes. 

Teac has included a remote with the package as an aid to make recording easier. Once again, the recorder will only use "music" or "audio" CD's, not those commonly used on home computers.

Reviews are somewhat mixed, but 80% of reviewers rate the recorder at 4 or 5 stars out of 5. 

While not truly a vinyl to CD recorder, the Sony USB turntable is a viable option for those willing to put some effort into the conversion process by using the computer to actually burn the CD.

In addition, by using the computer, via a USB port) your vinyl records can also be converted to MP3 files for use in your iPod or walkman. At about 1/2 the price of the two true LP to CD recorders listed above it is a viable option for many, especially with the MP3 option.

Although unable to drive speakers by itself, it contains a phono pre-amp that allows it to be connected to your own stereo or surround sound system to use as a normal turntable.