I rip to ALAC using free XLD with "max retry" set to 200. Recently I used internal Jriver (Media Center 30) ripper and it seems to be fine. FLAC is more universal, but does not work with ITunes (that I used before) while ALAC is native Apple format. Both can be easily batch converted. XLD can be used for that, but FREAC is even more convenient. FREAC (freac.org) is wonderful free small program for ripping and converting. I use it for batch converting only to HE ACC for car. Advantage of ripper over CDP is that it can go over given sector multiple times (unitl proper checksum is obtained) while CDP can only read once (working in real time). Some rippers do this better than others and knowing number of retries plus getting detailed report (both in XLD) is important. Any external drive will do but mechanical drives are a bit noisier. I used them but now I use 1TB SSD with two backups. Reason for backup is obvious, but second backup is just extra precaution. For instance computer failure (hardware or software) during backup can make both HD unusable. In addition I keep one of them outside of my home in case ot theft, fire etc. I update one at home every 5 or so rips and from time to time I exchange them. I have so far 1700 CDs ripped occupying 600GB.
Music Servers/External Drives
I'm seeking some basic info on server technology to store digital music. I'm looking to rip my CDs to an external device and be able to access it through my Marantz SACD 30n which I use as a Roon endpoint. Will any external drive work or do I need something specifically made for audio files? I would be ripping CDs using a MacBook Pro. I will also want to store digital audio downloads to this server. What approach & software do people use to do this? I appreciate your insights.