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Newbie to digital streaming looking for advice on next steps

I'm thinking of buying a Cambridge CXN streamer, and some type of NAS (Synology?).  I'm looking for advice about the NAS and about ripping my 800 CDs.  My head is exploding with all the different approaches I see in my searches!  I'm hoping that my personal constraints will suggest a path forward.  

My immediate goal is to be able to stream other sources (computer browser, iPad) to my existing system, and to enjoy Internet radio stations on it.  The existing system: Audio Research LS-27 line stage, Audio Research SD-135 power amp, Vandersteen Treo loudspeakers, Schiit Gungnir multi-bit DAC.  I also have a Cambridge CXC disc transport.

My long-term goal includes ripping my 800+ CDs and accessing them on this system.  

Some of my constraints:  I need to like to make the CD-ripping process simple enough that I won't procrastinate because of other chores.  I was interested in Bluesound's Vault 2i, because it looks dirt-simple: just keep feeding discs. But $1300 is a stretch for my budget this year.  I have a good CD transport in the Cambridge CXC.  I've been advised to consider brands like Aurender, given the high quality of my downstream Audio Research components.  But that's more of a budget-buster than the Bluesound unit.

Some would suggest getting rid of the line-stage, but I have found a pleasing synergy among the Audio Research line-stage, power amp, and the Vandersteen speakers.  I would like to keep this, and just add to the front-end.  I also like the Schiit DAC, and am considering feeding everything through that to the Audio Research components.

I was thinking of writing my own app for managing my collection, so that I could search on something like "Haydn trumpet" and pull up a list of the half a dozen recordings I have of the Haydn trumpet concerto.  Since I'm a computer scientist, this would actually be a fun project.  A friend suggested I look at Roon, although I dislike the idea of paying a subscription fee for using something with more bells and whistles than I need.  But, maybe.

I would be grateful for suggestions as to an NAS choice and CD-ripping, and advice on next steps.  Thanks in advance!

rach_fan
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,602 posts
 
I’ve ripped all my CD’s and original R2R’s on a PC for >20 years. This is the asiest way to edit, tag and sort then. (Voidtools Everything) I WAS putting them on my Synology. I retired it after I’ve found it easier, faster and better sounding to put them on remote drives, USB 3.0 or SSD. The drives show up on the computer in an isolated room via wifi. Just drag and drop. All 4 streamers play via USB, I have no use for one that doesn’t. All 4 under $1K each.
rach_fan OP
25 posts
 
fuzztone, thanks. I'm leaning toward the CXN, thinking that I could rip my CDs to a USB-connected drive, and just connect that to the streamer.  Wonderful.  A friend suggested dBpoweramp for ripping. Your example shows that I don't need to spend all that $$ for something fancy.

I still have newbie questions about how one uses this. For example, does the streamer software typically allow you to find a track of interest? Do you need to know the album and track, or is it typical to provide a search feature based on a query (e.g., "list tracks for Haydn trumpet Concerto")?  Do streamers typically map the drive automatically, or do you need to "help" them? Do you need to do anything special to provide metadata for tracks?

Thanks!

soix
9,456 posts
 
If you enjoy linking up various digital pieces and making them work, more power to you.  Personally, I’d rather chew on tinfoil.  Another tact would be to save a little more and buy something like a used Innuos Zen Mklll for about $2400 that, like the Vault but at a higher level, allows you to stream and rip all your CDs directly into it and just be done.  I think the Zen, along with being a snap to use, is at a level of quality and performance that is more inline with the rest of your nice system.  Just my $0.02, and best of luck.
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