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What is the function/pupose of music plyr/streamer

Sorry guys another neophyte here with a simple question.
I am going to set up a Computer sourced link into my audio system (sooner or later, once I figure this out).
I "think" I have the basics of the chain down; Computer, Bridge/Converter, DAC, Amp. However I don't understand what advantage a music player/streamer would afford me.(I will be using a MAC and using mostly Apple Lossless files). So this invites 3 questions for me.
1. Why do I or would I need a Music player or Music Streamer? (they are the same, right?)
2. When used, where should it go in the chain?
3. While these devices often list support for many different kinds of audio files, almost none actually say they support Apple lossless, is this because they don't or they just don't want to spell it out?
Thanks for your patience with some of us new/old (double jeopardy) guys.
But any info would be much appreciated.
246810
sandstone
358 posts
 
Steve,
"ALL lossy compressed formats compromise sound quality IME"
Don't disagree with your point, but want to clarify that FLAC is not lossy but a lossless compressed format that can be converted to WAV or other lossless uncompressed formats with full digital accuracy.

I should also add that the choice between FLAC and WAV is not quite so straightforward. For a multitude of reasons, many systems will not exhibit the same degree of falloff in SQ with FLAC that you describe. For some, it won't be noticeable at all.

"You may have to find them as files and not albums however."
This is not just a trivial problem! We should mention that WAV has the disadvantage of not encapsulating any metadata in its files, as do FLAC and Apple Lossless, leading to library nightmares for more than just a few.

For this reason I usually rip, transfer, and keep stored archive copies in FLAC (this could also be ALAC?), then batch convert an active album set to WAV for critical playback (for albums and systems where WAV seems to matter).

246810,
"Only problem is I promised my girlfriend I would load her Ipod if I could rip her CD's. Does that mean I'll have to rip 2 different times?"
Some ripping software apps let you simultaneously rip to two different formats and folders. Others make batch conversions relatively painless.

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I meant Lossless - a typo.

Use AIFF, not FLAC or ALAC if you care about tags and album art.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
246810 OP
11 posts
 
Hey! Thanks Sandstone (and Steve) for your expertise.
I think what I've gleened from all this is, I can rip to ALAC (which is good for Ipod purposes) and convert to WAV in certain circumstances. That sounds excellent.
Does anybody have a suggestion for MAC S/W to accomplish the conversion?
It appears also that Music Players/Streamers are primarily music managers, I'll have to get back to them when I have some management experience.
Thanks again to all.
p.s. Steve, I'm still working on that system, but the monobloc's confuse me. I think I better stick with an integrated that has a phono amp, simple is good.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
XLD is the best ripper and converter - its free:

http://tmkk.pv.land.to/xld/index_e.html

I would rip to AIFF, not ALAC. This is essentially .wav, but allows for tags and album art on Mac.

Music players dont always manage the music. Much of the time, they just improve the sound of iTunes, such as Pure Music and Amarra. These are the current gold standards.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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