Storage Device Recommendations


I am looking for recommendations on an external hard drive for my CD collection.  I have over 3,000 CDs and want to rip and store them in one place. I have been ripping CDs to external Western Digital HDs connected by USB to my windows PC where I am using iTunes as the software for organizing and playing music. My problem is that two WD HDs have failed in the last 18 months. Both of them glitched and failed when trying to back them up. I suspect that the volume of CDs ripped to those drives is taxing them somehow. The last one that failed was 2 TBs in size (and I believe the first one was 2 TBs as well).  Also, over the last 5+ years I have been purchasing some music in digital download form (from iTunes or other sources such as Bandcamp).

For all its faults I plan to continue using iTunes as the software to play music.  My home AV system is wired to use Apple and Sonos boxes. While it appears that many of the streamers offer better audiophile quality, I also like ripping CDs to a storage device attached to my computer (as opposed to a typical streamer device that is attached to my audio system). Most streamers also require a direct ethernet connection which is very difficult (or costly) for me given my set-up.

Any suggestions on a better storage device or an audiophile quality streamer that connects to a PC?


Ag insider logo xs@2xjdooley
RAID with hot swap worked well for me I used Raid 01, 10, 5, and tried a few others. RAID 5 offers hot swap.. I prefer a hardware based RAID product. Keep the drives smaller.  SCSI drives offer the higher transfer rates. SATA, and a few others "RAID" but normally require software to prepare the drive for the array. Memory based HDs, I'm not sure on that one.. FAST yes, reliable? It would be a great front end on a drive system.. with physical plattered HD for backup..

Playback can be quite good with a good RAID system too, high transfer rates always help.

A glitchy piece of software, is just wonderful to recover from.. like sticking a needle under your fingernail.. I've had to do it a few times from software based RAID systems.. Think on that part..ay..

Regards
Research an NAS Server.  I have a QNAP..  Synology is another popular brand. I use it to stream Music and Movies to multiple devices throughout the house.
Oldhymec, that's exactly what I am considering!  Any brand preference? 

I see WD sells these as well as TerraMaster,  Yottamaster and a few others.