2. digital
  3. 138230-115924

CD ripping for the lower end.

I have a decent hifi system. I listen to CDs mostly. Thinking about going modestly digital just to test the waters. Right now I have an old iMac that will be my server. It is too old for all current ripping and cataloging software so it will probably be iTunes for ripping and playing. I will use Apple Remote on my cell phone which is a fairly capable remote at this level and works with the older version of iTunes on this old iMac.This is all probably commensurate with the entry level DAC I just got used off eBay, a Schiit Modi 2 Uber. I’ll get a Monoprice USB cable for it. I’ve got some high end RCA cables for DAC to Pre-amp.

If this works out okay and the SQ is tolerable I might step things up and use my MacBook Pro in which case I could get dBpoweramp for ripping and something to bypass iTunes for playback. Might even upgrade the DAC.

The first question I have is that for right now, what format should I rip the CDs to? Space is not a big concern. I’ve only got about 150 CDs and won’t rip them all. The primary consideration would be sound quality and future ’portability’ if I move up to higher end DAC and all that.

The second question is should I use my MacBook or new iMac to rip using dBpoweramp and then move the files to the old iMac?

Thanks for your help.

George
n80

Showing 2 responses by docknow

docknow
321 posts
 
@n80

I agree with plan to use iTunes with BitPerfect to start.  That is what I do and the SQ is quite good.  The SQ with and without BitPerfect is large and instantly noticeable.  I think BitPerfect probably largely ameliorates the negative reputation of iTunes, although I should bite the bullet and try out the others.

I also second the suggestion to try a MultiBit Schiit DAC, the step up from the Uber level was the first time I thought digital sounded like music.
docknow
321 posts
 
Multibit upgrade was significant for me.  On the other hand, why not live with what you have at the moment and when you get the bug to improve things, then move up to multibit?  Maybe find a used Bifrost which will have the advantage of either having, or could be upgraded to the Gen 5 USB board.
More to discover