Storing Cd's on Hard Disk

Looking at your system, I think unless you go to an MBL or similar DAC you will be disappointed in the sound quality from any digital file. As far as the mechanism I have not really ever heard it discussed at length, it is the format that is usually the point of discussion, with WAV, FLAC and AppleLossless being the prevelent formats. I have used Applelossless after ripping to the harddrive off of my HP computer. My sound, from AppleTV into a DAC, is better than any disc player I have had, but I have not had the same players you have had. I wouldn't give up the disc player until you hear the results.

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Macdadtexas,

Thanks for input.
Agree and I think that the DAC would be Reimyo DAP 999 or similar, will listen to decide.
I have honed the format issue to WAV or AIF.
As you gathered it is the "reader" that has my attention at this time.
Tim

You don't really need a quality drive - you need quality software. The standard is Exact Audio Copy - EAC. It's a free download, though you are encouraged to send the developer a postcard. It's easy to install and there are a number of primers out there to help you get the best out of it. It will re-read sections to get an error-free copy.

Now if you want to convert these WAVs to something like Apple Lossless or FLAC you will need conversion software. For Apple Lossless, iTunes.

This part is fairly straight-forward. Getting it back is where the good is significantly better than the moderate. The magic will be in the DAC and the output stage.

Regards,

I would highly recommend that you go with the most simple setup possible to get great results. In my opinion, that would by a Mac Mini or iBook using Apple Lossless via iTunes and the best USB DAC from either Larry Moore at Ultra-Fi or Gordon Rankin at Wavelength Audio.

For a wealth of information about USB DACs and computer audio, check out Gordon's USBDACS.com pages.

Enjoy,

TIC