The best option would be to use a NAS, especially if you go with the PWD and plan to use the Bridge when it becomes available later this year. Check out the Buffalo Linkstation products here These are DLNA certified - which you will need if you go with the Bridge option (which, with its dedicated Digital Lens is going to be hard to beat for jitter issues).
Hard Drive versis Flash Drive
Hello,
I am planning to buy/build music server based on either MSB DAC or new PS Audio PWD DAC. Meanwhile, I want to start process of ripping CD's. I have not too many may be 500 or so. My question:
Is sound quality differ from storage on hard drive versus that on flash drive ? On one hand, flash drive, as far as I know has only UPS port which is not the greatest for music whereas hard drive may have other digital outputs like HDMI which is (are) much better. On other hand, solid state memory was shown to be superior (for sound again) over magnetic moving memory like a hard disc.
Also, if to use USP port then Flash drive seem to me clearly better (on paper) for one more reason - you plug and play whereas with USP based hard disc you need to use USP inferior cable.
Much appreicate if members will share their sonic experience with these two types of the storage.
Another question: what type of ripping software is the best for sound, and later on for ease of navigation? EAT, Monkey etc.... 955 of my CD collection is classical which may make a difference in navigation, I suspect....
Thank you
Rafael
I am planning to buy/build music server based on either MSB DAC or new PS Audio PWD DAC. Meanwhile, I want to start process of ripping CD's. I have not too many may be 500 or so. My question:
Is sound quality differ from storage on hard drive versus that on flash drive ? On one hand, flash drive, as far as I know has only UPS port which is not the greatest for music whereas hard drive may have other digital outputs like HDMI which is (are) much better. On other hand, solid state memory was shown to be superior (for sound again) over magnetic moving memory like a hard disc.
Also, if to use USP port then Flash drive seem to me clearly better (on paper) for one more reason - you plug and play whereas with USP based hard disc you need to use USP inferior cable.
Much appreicate if members will share their sonic experience with these two types of the storage.
Another question: what type of ripping software is the best for sound, and later on for ease of navigation? EAT, Monkey etc.... 955 of my CD collection is classical which may make a difference in navigation, I suspect....
Thank you
Rafael
Showing 5 responses by 2chnlben
Since EAC is free, try downloading it to your Dell to see if it is compatible. EAC is very good ripping software, although it is slow. It will provide you with bit-perfect rips (I highly recommend ripping in flac - especially if you go with the Duet, as the SB devices will natively support flac). I have no experience with dBpoweramp, but it is said to be a very good software choice (it is faster than EAC)-but it will cost you to download. Check outTHIS little device. It is a ripper and a NAS - pretty cool. The more affordable approach would be to use your Dell or a cheap/used Celeron processer/tower and load EAC onto it. |
Rafael: You are correct in your assessment. If you already have a server (i.e.: the new PWD, SB device, or other), you will only be utilizing the NAS device for storage (i.e.: an external hard drive only linked to your network). Your server will do all of the work streaming your music files. As long as your server accepts flac, then you will be fine. It is true that iTunes does not support flac, but as you stated, that is a mute point since you will be relying on your existing music server to manage and stream your flac files. |
You got it. I think iTunes supports WAV files - if so, then your statement is correct. An iPod device (such as the iTouch) will do exactly what you want, and as long as you are using it in conjunction with a NAS (which is your storage device) then you don't need to be concerned with the storage capacity of the iTunes device (the least expensive 8 GB iPod Touch would suffice). |