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File format compatible with iTunes and J.River

Anyone have any suggestions for a file format that is lossless and compatible with iTunes and J.River?

I am trying to set up a server based on a PC running WinXp and using an Echo Gina sound card/breakout box. Maybe a standalone DAC will be added later.

I plan to use J.River on the PC but I forsee buying a Mac laptop or Mini in the future. So I want to rip my CD library into a format useful in JRiver but that will work in the future in iTunes.

Another question is what software package to rip the CDs. I've read about Exact Audio Copy and plan to probably use that. Is it possible to rip a cd into two file formats at one, one lossless and one compressed for iPod use?

Thanks in advance.
bmdduck
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Check out computeraudiophile.com[Chris},he's as good as it gets,good luck,Bob
bigamp
219 posts
 
No need to use Exact Audio Copy. Jriver Media Center does bit-perfect ripping. Just select secure mode in the rip options. This will read and reread until every bit is captured. Hard drive copy is exactly the same as CD original. Can rip to several formats, such as uncompressed WAV, WMA, OGG, APE, MP3, FLAC, etc. Some of these can be used by itunes. Just make sure ahead of time that your tags will import between Jriver and iTunes.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
I am afraid WAV is the only format compatible with both iTunes and J. River.

Just curious, why J. River? Why don't you just use iTunes on PC?
bmdduck OP
99 posts
 
I planned to use J.River because it is my understanding that you can not bypass the KMixer with iTunes on WinXP. If there is a way to bypass the KMixer I would probably just use iTunes. Does someone know how to do that?
pls1
432 posts
 
I use dbpoweramp to rip to APE for archival storage. dbpoweramp can also do lossless conversion to any format. I play APE directly using J River as my player with usb-audio.de AISO drivers to a variety of USB to DAC devices including HAG, offramp and Trends. I think this combo gives terrific sound and is future-proof.

Proving your rip is "bit perfect" at more than 99% of your tracks is harder than most folks realize (Google Digital Audio Extraction if you care). J River is a ripper is fine but not the best for compulsive types.

phil
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