[redeye1964]

I bought a Presario C700 mainly to record my vinyl albums not realizing it doesn't have a line-in jack.Can I safely use the microphone jack to connect to either the line-out or 'phone jack on my hi-fi? I'd prefer not to have to buy an external soundcard with line-in device as they are about $100. Laptop has a Conexant soundcard. Any suggestions for the easiest(idiot-proof) software would be greatly appreciated-I've looked at Audacity,Spin It Again,Polderbits et.al & am getting more & more confused.
Any help greatly appreciated!

[cwwozniak]

You might be able to use the Line out of your stereo system to record through the mic input on the laptop. There are two issues though.

1) The microphone input is most likely monophonic and you will no be able to record in stereo. You will need a suitable adapter cable to mix the two line outputs to the single mic input.

2) The line output may have too high of a signal level and cause distortion even if you turn the mic input level down on the computer. I believe that Radio Shack used to sell in line attenuators to cut the volume. Not sure if they still do.

[buffoon]

look for "Terratec". It's an RCA L/R line in and connects via USB to your desk or laptop. Programme comes with it so you get a sound enhancement work tool in a small window. Takes all scratches out. It says to connect either tape deck via RCA jacks or record player at different signal levels which can be adjusted accordingly. I've found that can be ignored in as much as I connected my HIFI straight from a spare line-out (empty tape out, I think it was) and the "Terratec" box takes any signal from my HIFI (Audio Tape, Vinyls, Audio CDs, which is not necessary since they can be in the PC straight, but even TV sound, if you run it thru your HIFI ) got it here in Europe for abt. Euro 100,-- plus some postage. Google it. Don't mess around with the mic-line-in.
I've been there. Lots of grief. Just use it for the mike.

[lister]

Maybe this would be of use - Instant Music $49.99

http://www.adstech.com/products/RDX-...sp?pid=RDX-150