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 1 response by skipskip

skipskip
42 posts
 
Get an Airport Express to sit with your stereo system.  Or you can have a really, really long optical cable.  Airport Express has a jack on the back that takes a mini-cable, but also takes a slim size optical out in the same slot...not everyone knows that.  Using the mini-jack RCA out, people have said the DAC on the Airport Express isn't too bad...but you can use your own or a new one.  BTW, FLAC is the same as the .WAV at the point you're listening to the files...its lossless.  WAV is big and not losslessly compressed.  You will not notice any lag in decompress time.  Playing what stored on your computer is better because CD's get dust and scratches so you're not listening to the same copy each time...just like vinyl...but there is error correction etc.  Once you've ripped your CD, put it in a closet in a binder.  CD's die in less than 50 years.  Homemade CD's die sooner.

Depending on what apps you use (even itunes), you can DJ your songs from your iphone, ipad or whatever directly to the Airport Express into your stereo.  Ditch the CD player for your stereo unless it has a $2000 DAC with selectable filters built-into it.

Happy listening!
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