Ripping CDs


I would like to be able to rip CDs. My streamer, Cambridge CXNv2 doesn’t have that capacity. although it can store CDs. What do I need to rip CDs?

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrvpiano

A laptop with CD/DVD and Windows 10 which will have Windows Media Player. Rip your CD files lossless (about 30MB a song) or rip them Windows Media Pro (24/192) which is about 10 MB per song. I do not hear a difference between lossless and 24/192. 

A laptop with all you need is found new on Amazon for around $200. You may want a 14" screen (11" is a bit small to see playlists) and you will need a USB cable that reaches your DAC USB port. 

I keep my laptop stationary and use it for Jukebox purposes only. I only turn on WiFi when I rip a CD as it will be needed to pull down song titles, album pic, etc. I purged all the useless programs on the laptop before putting it to work. I expect it to last a lifetime- but just in case- I sync my music to an attached thumb drive occasionally to ensure I do not lose my music. 

I have some 86 gigs of music and my everyday playlist amounts to only about 700 songs (6 gigs/50 hours of music/all 24/192), so you really don't need a huge hard drive. 

Just for fun, I have a micro thumb drive that is in my car's USB port for listening while driving. 

There is nothing that can touch local files for music listening. This is most evident in the car. If I listen to music streaming from the computer, the local files are still obviously superior, but a lot will depend on your DAC's capabilities. I do not subscribe to any service, but there are a lot of free music sites and radio stations, etc reachable via the net.

Having done it this way for years now, I am amused at those that purchase streamers and subscribe to music. Makes little to no financial sense in the long run. But then again, I don't understand a $100 phone bill vs a $30 one either. Some people just can't get disconnected and that ain't gonna change anytime soon. I guess I am part of the resistance ;)

@rvpiano how many CDs do you need to rip? And I would start with the 💿 of artists/performances you can’t find on streaming. 

@rvpiano 

Are you trying to store your CD collection in a music server? If so like others have said you need a computer/laptop. I have over 3k CDs stored that way in my music server. Actually I have 2 and I trying to sell one of them. If that’s the case you also need a software that allows you to tag the copied information and another software to help you organize them. Take a look at my add and tell me if that’s what you are trying to accomplish. I can give you some guidance then. 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649981993-black-melco-n1a-music-library-excellent-condition/

I’d say just get this and be done with it.  It’s likely a better streamer, and you can just rip your CDs directly into it.  Simple.  

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650056614-innuos-zen-mk-3/

Best of luck.

+1 @soix Excellent suggestion

About 5 or 6 years years ago, ripped my CD collection to an Innous Zenith MK2  music streamer and boxed my CDs up, and haven't looked back.