2. digital
  3. 160648-22080

Newbie to digital streaming looking for advice on next steps

I'm thinking of buying a Cambridge CXN streamer, and some type of NAS (Synology?).  I'm looking for advice about the NAS and about ripping my 800 CDs.  My head is exploding with all the different approaches I see in my searches!  I'm hoping that my personal constraints will suggest a path forward.  

My immediate goal is to be able to stream other sources (computer browser, iPad) to my existing system, and to enjoy Internet radio stations on it.  The existing system: Audio Research LS-27 line stage, Audio Research SD-135 power amp, Vandersteen Treo loudspeakers, Schiit Gungnir multi-bit DAC.  I also have a Cambridge CXC disc transport.

My long-term goal includes ripping my 800+ CDs and accessing them on this system.  

Some of my constraints:  I need to like to make the CD-ripping process simple enough that I won't procrastinate because of other chores.  I was interested in Bluesound's Vault 2i, because it looks dirt-simple: just keep feeding discs. But $1300 is a stretch for my budget this year.  I have a good CD transport in the Cambridge CXC.  I've been advised to consider brands like Aurender, given the high quality of my downstream Audio Research components.  But that's more of a budget-buster than the Bluesound unit.

Some would suggest getting rid of the line-stage, but I have found a pleasing synergy among the Audio Research line-stage, power amp, and the Vandersteen speakers.  I would like to keep this, and just add to the front-end.  I also like the Schiit DAC, and am considering feeding everything through that to the Audio Research components.

I was thinking of writing my own app for managing my collection, so that I could search on something like "Haydn trumpet" and pull up a list of the half a dozen recordings I have of the Haydn trumpet concerto.  Since I'm a computer scientist, this would actually be a fun project.  A friend suggested I look at Roon, although I dislike the idea of paying a subscription fee for using something with more bells and whistles than I need.  But, maybe.

I would be grateful for suggestions as to an NAS choice and CD-ripping, and advice on next steps.  Thanks in advance!

rach_fan

Showing 1 response by dimbhaka

dimbhaka
30 posts
 
@rach_fan The directory structure is up to you. What ever makes sense to you. I have experience with two streamers(Bluesound & Cary Audio). They will scan your disk and index them with genre, artist, album name and so on.

In my case, I keep my directories shallow. For Rock/Folk/Blues/Jazz I follow /genre/artist-album. For Classical I use /Classical/Composer/perfomer-album. I split all my classical albums by piece. For example I will split a Mozart symphonies 40&41 CD into two albums.

Using the above scheme, I can search by genre, artist, album. I can search by track/song too, but I never do it

PS. I rip all my CDs via Exact Audio Copy and edit all metadata tags with mp3tag editor.
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