Ion Audio gets how important it is to back up your vinyl collection to a digital format. The company announced today two new USB turntables designed to help convert your LPs into MP3s.

The Ion Audio iTTUSB05 ($150) and iTTUSB10 ($250) turntables come with a USB port for single-cable connection to a Mac or PC and allow for playing albums while at the same time copying them. Both come with software for copying music off the vinyls, including a program for converting tracks directly to iTunes. Other features of the new USB turntables include dust covers to protect the record, stylus and slip mat; built-in pre-amps eliminating the need for an audio receiver with phono-in jack; integrated RCA cables; and 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM playback speeds.

The reason for the price jump between the two models is that the ITTUSB10 (pictured in this post) has a different look and additional mechanical features such as an S-shaped tone arm and tone arm lift lever. It also allows for easier switching between phono and line output.

Ion Audio ITTUSB05
Ion Audio ITTUSB10