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help me "face the music"?

Hello audiogoners,

So for years I have been clinging to my CDs. But the fact is my need for music will soon surpass my ability to store them, and also my partner and I share one music collection between two houses in in two cities that are two hours apart. So I am now facing up to the fact that it is time for me to start thinking about going to a computer based system. I’m starting from scratch and have been perusing advice here which is helpful but also overwhelming.

I have a Macbook Pro. So far this is what I’ve gathered:

-I need to put itunes on that computer and also some software so I can rip my CDs in ALAC format. Is that right? Or is some other format preferable? And is JRiver for apple my best bet? Or something else? (My cds are not SACD but just regular cds).

-Can I use the Mac “superdrive” to burn CDs or is another piece of hardware preferable?

-Then I use a digital cable to connect the Macbook into a DAC and that runs into the amplifier? Sounds simple. Is there anything I am missing?

-Is there a disadvantage in terms of sound quality in using the ipod as the source (rather than the laptop?) Will ALAC files also play on the ipod?

-If I also wanted to use an internet radio service like Sirius or Sonos, is there any way to have that sound relatively good?

-In terms of components, what are some entry level but good places to start? Seems like the Rega Brio R and the Rega DAC are well thought of. Would a NAIM Uniti2 or something like it be comparable or is it preferable to have a separate DAC?

-Are some speakers better suited to digital than others? Most likely, I need a small sealed box and have my eye on the Harbeth P3esr but is it a waste to use this speaker with files playing through itunes? (I hope this question isn’t offensive…I’m really a novice!) Are there speakers that are better suited to this application? Neat Iotas, for example?

-Thanks for any guidance!

MC
mcanaday
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I will answer the last question first, and let others who know music servers better answer some of the other stuff. W respect to speakers, it makes absolutely no difference what your source is; analog, digital, or or vegetable.

Oh, and one other thing I can answer; you can get good sound from internet streaming services, but some are better than others, and w a good music server, amplifier and speakers, you will be able to hear the differences between higher bit rates and lower bit rates.
mwheelerk
121 posts
 
1. You do need iTunes. It is a file management tool, ripping tool and playback software. It has the ability to import (rip) your CDs into several formats. First I recommend you use a lossless file format (ALAC, WAV or AIFF). ALAC is compressed with the only benefit that of saving space (size of the files). AIFF and WAV are uncompressed. You will want to tag (add metadata) to your files and ALAC and AIFF are better for that purpose. A very popular compressed lossless format is FLAC but not supported by iTunes in and of itself.
2. I use another software for ripping on Mac, XLD which is a free app. It offers the benefit of AccurateRip
3. There are several software playback tools that work in conjunction with iTunes. I use Pure Music and Audivrana. JRiver For Mac is another option. It is a great tool providing library management and playback. It currently does not support ripping on the Mac side.
Back up, back up, back up. Whether you decide to store your files on the internal drive of your MacBook or on an external drive have one or two drives available to keep back ups right from the beginning.
4. The connection you suggest from your MacBook to a DAC to your audio system is correct.

I suggest you visit Computer Audiophile online. Find the FAQ and the CA Academy. There is a wealth of resources and information there.
mwheelerk
121 posts
 
The Mac SuperDrive should be fine for the work intended.

A general rule of thumb is if you are using external drives have those connected to a different bus/connector than your DAC. So if your DAC is connected via USB try to use FireWire or thunderbolt connection for the external drives.

The Rega products you mention are generally well thought of.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Buy Fidelia software rip your CDs, get a decent DAC and be happy.
gz3827
232 posts
 
Since you and your partner reside in different locations but share one music collection, you may find a solution that incorporates network attached storage (NAS) to be very appealing. That way all of your music files can be readily accessed at any time from either of your locations. Synology, a manufacturer of NAS devices, gets very good reviews.
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