I'd like to hear comments from
@BendBound since the two of you have much more experience at recording.
I'm not sure I am the best to comment here since the recording I do, and I have done extensive recording, is to convert vinyl records to digital files. I typically record at 96/24 but I can record 192kHz/24bit. That is a large file, trust its only a short segment.
The solid state phono preamp I use is a Whest PS.40RDT SE. That preamp goes directly into a Tascam DA-3000 for recording.
The PS.40 preamp has these technical features, including hybrid RIAA filters that I don't believe I cannot bypass:
RIAA active filtering
The hybrid RIAA filters have been kept in the 40 Series design because not only is it used
throughout the full Whest Audio range, but in the 40 Series it is now trimmed to a far tighter
tolerance for both curve and channel matching. Channel matching now is to within 0.12dB
and RIAA curve accuracy to 0.15dB. Both these figures are across a bandwidth with spans
from 9Hz and 62KHz. Any non-Whest Audio phono stage would be at least 18dB-30dB
down at these extremes, but having experience in pro-audio, vinyl cutting and mastering
means we at Whest Audio know what it takes to get the very best from playing back the vinyl
format at all price levels.
Gain and load selection
This section is accessed under the chassis like all Whest Audio phono stages. Maximum
gain is 72dB and with the internals’ ultra low-noise levels it means you will never be stuck
for gain ever again! All units are setup for standard low output moving coil 65dB/100 ohms
but if you do want to experiment it just takes 30secs to change over.
MM gain is at a very healthy and modern 43dB not the older 1970s standard 39dB like our
competitors. This with a total capacitance value of 91pf gives a beautifully flat response
from your high performance MM cartridge and an unmatched sublime audio output that can
only be achieved from a Whest Audio phono stage.
Signal inputs and outputs
These are on ‘audiophile grade’ RCA and XLR connectors identical to that used in the
TITAN Pro. Because Whest Audio phono stages are used in archiving both professionally
and domestically we have included a second set of RCA outputs to allow the user to send the
output to their computer for transfer while ‘monitoring’ the output through their main audio
system. The 40 Series noise levels are so low that using 24bit or 32bit conversion is possible
without the fear of unwanted signals getting to the soundcard. With the PS.40RDT and
PS.40RDT Special Edition we now have a new standard – no other company in the world
designs with this much attention to detail for the end-user.
I can ask the designer if it is possible to record a flat file. In May, Whest introduced the PS60 Pro. When this experiment is completed, my PS.40 will be upgraded to the PS60 Pro. As far has what @BMRR is capable of, we need to learn more. But I know he can record up to 96/24, no better.