THE PROCESS
Transfer records to CD:
At Audio Restored we have the equipment to play all types of records from the conventional 33 rpm vinyl LP and 45 rpm single, through 78 rpm shellac and acetate discs, to non-standard discs revolving at any speed between ~14 - 88 rpm, including rarities which play from the inside groove outwards!
Cleaning: After an initial inspection, records are thoroughly cleaned before playing, using a professional wet-vacuum record cleaning machine, the VPI HW-16.5.
THE VPI RECORD CLEANING MACHINE
Shellac 78s are washed with L'Art du Son professional record cleaning liquid, while for vinyl 33s and 45s we clean sequentially with a 10% Isopropyl alcohol/distilled water mixture, followed by L'Art du Son solution, then a final distilled water wash. The VPI’s vacuum arm effectively lifts many years of accumulated dirt out of the groove, leaving the record practically as clean as the day it was pressed. This allows us to extract the maximum information from the groove, prior to digital conversion. All 7", 10" and 12" records (vinyl or shellac) are returned to you in a replacement poly-lined paper inner sleeve, to keep them clean for longer!
This professional wet-cleaning of records is available as a separate service, see prices page for details, including bulk discounts, and Gift Vouchers!
Transcription: Records are played on high-end turntables including a vintage studio EMT 950 deck with 929 tonearm, Linn Basik/Akito and Goldring-Lenco GL75 transcription turntable, in combination with a variety of high-end cartridges (MM and MC) and styli.
EMT 950 TURNTABLE
The EMT is fitted with a Denon 103M moving-coil cartridge (MC) for vinyl 33s and 45s, and the Linn can be equipped with either a Shure M44 (MM) or Goldring Eroica, (MC) cartridge. The GL75 is also fitted with a Shure M44, accommodating a selection of diamond 78 styli of varying tip shape and dimensions, supplied by the Expert Stylus and Cartridge Company, chosen to best match the 78 record being played.
Equalization: Use of the correct EQ curve is essential to get the best from 78s, as these were produced before the introduction of the RIAA equalization standard in the 1950s.
ELBERG MD12
We use an Elberg MD12 variable curve EQ preamplifier to achieve the correct EQ prior to further digital restoration and transfer to CD.
As standard service, individual tracks are separated to give full track skip/search functions. CD text is added for convenience, and your disc is returned to you in a CD jewel case. The transfer cost includes on-CD printing, and bespoke front & back covers will be produced with full track listing at no extra cost. Alternative file formats (WMA, .mp3 etc) can also be accommodated if preferred.
Any number of duplicate CDs (of non-copyright transfers) can be provided - see Prices page for details.
Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
