What's the best way to needle drop "for science"?

[hugz]

I'm a big "audiophile doubter" and I'd love to do some recordings for the purpose of testing various popular modifications.

For example, do a recording, stick on a big fat record weight (or change platter mats) and record again.

What's the right way to do this? Connect the turntable RCAs directly to a soundcard and apply RIAA equalisation there? Or connect the soundcard to the preamp-out? That adds colourisation, but gives line level...

Any "affordable" soundcard recommendations? preferably USB

 

[timofred]

pre-amp out

 

[SSaxdude]

Just make sure whatever you use is consistent except for the variable you want to change. So if you want to test the impact that a mat has on sound, use the same turntable, cartridge/stylus, etc.. Do them one after another, so one doesn't have the disadvantage of a worn stylus. Use the same record.

There's many methods of needledropping using a computer. My preference is to use an ART Phono USB Plus. It's a decent phono preamp; uncolored if that makes a difference. Then from my computer, I use a Schiit DAC + headphone amp. It provides a very clean and uncolored sound.

 

[hugz]

While I search for an appropriate USB interface- are those cheap Behringer UFO202 no good?

 

[SSaxdude]

While I search for an appropriate USB interface- are those cheap Behringer UFO202 no good?

I've used a similar model (UCA202) that didn't include a phono preamp, but did optical output. I've only needle dropped it once or twice. I bought it to use with a mixer for recording music. Sound quality is fine, I can't tell if it's all that different from my ART Phono USB, which I've also used for recording music prior to buying the Behringer.

One interesting thing I found with the Behringer is that it does D->A conversion, which the ART doesn't.