Rip or Copy?

Thanks Lowrider. I understand now. I apologize for being unclear. I should have stated I wanted to make a copy of CD's,DVD's and Blu-Rays; but keep the copies on some type of storage and management device, not make more CD's,DVD's. And be able to play off the storage device with excellent quality. I imagine a computer would do this but I thought those fussy about sound would be using something better. I'd like to program what's played back in the simplest possible way. I imagine I would also need a DAC to do this.

that's right. A computer or typically a dedicated computer/hardrive is used. This is because you don't want other programs and files that take up space on your HD slowing down or interfering with your music ripping and data storage; it should only be music files stored on your HD. A dedicated computer can give you very high quality music.

There are many threads in the archive regarding setting up a computer audio system. And the DAC is such an important choice. You'll find the term asynchronous and "jitter" mentioned. An asynchronous DAC with high jitter correction in simple terms means that it is keeping all the 0s and 1s locked together so they arrive at the next component in sync. You've heard that digital "glare" or harshnes; that is coming from a DAC or CDP with poor jitter control.

Many people here can get you started setting up computer audio. I am not there yet, I have so much invested in Redbook CDs and a high-end ARC CDP and I mix between vinyl and CD. I have, however, ripped many CDs to repair skips or make copies.

If you would still like me to show you the basics of ripping using itunes, I would be more than happy to. Ripping with itunes is like the intro course to more advanced rip software.

"I should have stated I wanted to make a copy of CD's,DVD's and Blu-Rays; but keep the copies on some type of storage and management device, not make more CD's,DVD's. And be able to play off the storage device with excellent quality. I imagine a computer would do this but I thought those fussy about sound would be using something better."

That's how we took it. We knew that you would most likely be storing your ripped music on something like a hard drive.

Go to this website and download and install EAC.

http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

After that, go to this website for step by step instructions on how to set EAC up to get the best sound quality.

http://www.angelfire.com/magic2/hq-audio/l/eac-setup-all.html

For CD's, at least, that's all you need to do. You can't get any better quality as long as you follow the instructions. The best part is that EAC is free. Give it a try. I think that once you setup and use the software, you'll see the value in it almost immediately.

Thanks again. I have about a 3/4 yr old Lenovo laptop. I'll check the model and details tonight. Isn't iTunes just for apple? I do remember reading about Berkely dac using JRiver or something upgradable within their dac, something used in computers. I really gave this area no thought until now. Now retired with the Stingray music service on cable it's become very interesting. The Baroque and chamber music channels have so much I've never heard. I'd like to make it easy for me to create my own playlists and easily categorize and access just what I want.

iTunes comes in versions compatible w mac or pc. There are DACs that accept a USB input from your pc and many of the smaller/less expensive ones like the AQ Dragonfly or the HRT II+ offer very good SQ. You can try computeraudiophile.com for more information.