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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
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.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I need to put itunes on that computer and also some software so I can rip my CDs in ALAC format. Is that right?

Correct.

Or is some other format preferable?

.wav format is superior, however you lose the tags and album art. If you only care about sound quality rip to .wav.

And is JRiver for apple my best bet? Or something else? (My cds are not SACD but just regular cds).

I recommend either Amarra or Audirvana. Both work with iTunes.

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

you can , but it is better to use an extern high quality USB drive with C2 error correction capability.

-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?

you can, but it will not be pretty.

A better result is to move the Master Clock out of the computer and into an external device that can deliver lower jitter. The device of choice is a USB converter, such as the Off-Ramp 5 or Diverter HR. The jitter of this digital source is MORE IMPORTANT than the DAC.

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/off-ramp-converter

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/news-and-reviews/off-ramp-converter

This connects with a USB cable from the computer to the USB converter. Then coax from the USB converter to the DAC. The DAC can be a SS receiver or SS processor as well.

You can also just buy a USB DAC and use the USB converter inside that DAC, but it will never be as good as the external USB converter powered from a high-quality independent power supply.

-Is there a disadvantage in terms of sound quality in using the ipod as the source (rather than the laptop?)

No, because the master clock in the iPod is not that great. You can improve it by using a digital docking station like the pure i20 ($85 on Amazon) and then drive that to a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh to reduce jitter. If the Synchro-Mesh is powered by a good supply like the Dynamo, it is world-class, however the USB converter will still be a bit better.

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/synchro-mesh

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/news-and-reviews/synchro-mesh

Will ALAC files also play on the ipod?

Yes, even .wav files will play. This is what is on my 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?

Just achieve the lowest jitter possible by using an Off-Ramp 5 or Synchro-Mesh and it will sound great.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I have a Macbook Pro as well. I have the Audiophilleo 2 usb converter and can recommend that one.
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