The results you get will largely depend on the quality of the hardware and software you use. When I first started turning my records into CDs, I recorded onto a good tapedeck which has dbX noise reduction, with a similar deck next to my PC. Then I got a 15m cable, and that worked fine (except when my wife tripped over it!). The results were about 80% of perfect.

I have now set up my "studio". I got a "Nitty Gritty" record washing machine, which really cleans all that junk out of the grooves. The record then goes onto my old faithful Technics 1200SL turntable, which is connected via an amplifier to my soundcard.

After recording each side, I use CoolEdit 2000 to remove clicks and pops (about US$100 with all the add-ins). I then use another program called "Wave Repair" to break the tracks up and edit the individual tracks. Editing usually involves removing the odd pop that escapes CoolEdit, and fixing the lead ins and lead outs.

When finished all this, you are ready to burn. Results are about 90% of perfect. If the record is in good condition, you can't pick the difference from the CD. Obviously, if the record is ancient, and was played repeatedly with a steel needle at 30 grams, then results will be far from ideal!

Finally, I scan the cover and any booklets, and use this to design the CD cover.

This is all a lot of work, and I only do it if I can't get a CD of the same record. Still, that leaves me with about 500 records to do!

Regards
Chris