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Thinking about Laptop system - Newbie Questions

As an old timer (listening to 50% vinyl/50% CD), all this music server stuff is very new to me, but I am somewhat computer literate. I was thinking about building a nice little laptop based music server. Thinking about either a Logitech Transporter or Squeezebox Duet with separate DAC. I have a wireless router close enough to the 2 channel system so I can go either wireless or Ethernet.
Laptop is Toshiba with 4 Gb RAM, 340 Gb HD. I would use a stand-alone HD to store music.
So, I have a few questions: Transporter vs. Duet/DAC?
What format to store music? WAV, FLAC, etc.?
Can I still use the laptop while playing music?
Any other helpful hints?

Sorry for all the newbie questions. I am doing as much research as I can before I jump into this.

Thanks for any info.
smholl
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
welcome to the fun! i agree with 2chnlben, you will love it! also agree with his setting suggestions for the duet. as i posted earlier, i use a different ripping source and file form but either way you sill be fine. it comes down to what you are comfortable with, doubt you will detect an audible difference. enjoy!!
smholl OP
190 posts
 
I have decided to use FLAC instead of wma lossless, since it is a native format for Squeezebox Duet. Using a trial version of dBpoweramp to rip and/or convert. EAC seems to be a little too complicated for me.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
dBpoweramp is a good choice.

If you haven't already done so, at night, turn off all the lights, sit in your listening chair - just you and your backlit controller (and of course your remote for volume - I wouldn't use the controller for volume control) close your eyes...just a minor movement from your index finger is all that is necessary to advance to the next album or song title. You only need get up to refill your medicinal - unless you keep it handy.....
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