Digital Music Help
Pycroft
Posts: 1,960
Hello all-
Some help for something I've considered. I'm all about audio ease (Love moving to my integrated). I own a TON of CD's, and have never investigated the digital craze that's going on. Can you folks, in detail, give me an idea of how it works and compares to CD's/SACD's.
Here are some specific questions -
1. There are different TYPES of music files - some better than others. Can I turn my CD's and SACD's into those music files, or will I have to repurchase everything I've ever bought?
2. Will any laptop do, or do I need to get something specific (software/hardware/etc.).
3. I will need to purchase a separate DAC right? I can't just go through my current CD Player, or directly into the amp from my laptop right?
4. Other than the ease of sorting, organizing, etc. is there any other advantage? Do people who lived the CD/SACD life that have switched, do you miss anything from that quality?
5. What are the drawbacks?
Thanks! Further questions will come, I'm sure, as this thread develops.
FYI - Current setup is Sony SACD/CD player into my MF Integrated Amp, speakers to amp. That's it.
James
Some help for something I've considered. I'm all about audio ease (Love moving to my integrated). I own a TON of CD's, and have never investigated the digital craze that's going on. Can you folks, in detail, give me an idea of how it works and compares to CD's/SACD's.
Here are some specific questions -
1. There are different TYPES of music files - some better than others. Can I turn my CD's and SACD's into those music files, or will I have to repurchase everything I've ever bought?
2. Will any laptop do, or do I need to get something specific (software/hardware/etc.).
3. I will need to purchase a separate DAC right? I can't just go through my current CD Player, or directly into the amp from my laptop right?
4. Other than the ease of sorting, organizing, etc. is there any other advantage? Do people who lived the CD/SACD life that have switched, do you miss anything from that quality?
5. What are the drawbacks?
Thanks! Further questions will come, I'm sure, as this thread develops.
FYI - Current setup is Sony SACD/CD player into my MF Integrated Amp, speakers to amp. That's it.
James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
Comments
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There are plenty of threads here on this subject. However, if you use CDs then you are already using digital music. The only difference is the files are stored on a piece of plastic versus a hard drive. SACD is copy protected so you cannot copy those files. However, DSD files are now offered for sale, so the SACD copy protection is becoming a moot point.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
A digital music library is great once you get it set up and organized. There's a whole section on the forum dedicated to this topic, Going Digital. Your questions have been asked almost word for word there several times, so I'd look through those threads. I'd also recommend checking out this starter guide I wrote linked below, I believe most of your questions would be answered in the first post alone:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?134589-Digital-Computer-Audio-Starter-Guide -
Here are some specific questions -
1. There are different TYPES of music files - some better than others. Can I turn my CD's and SACD's into those music files, or will I have to repurchase everything I've ever bought?
You will not have to re-purchase anything. I am not familiar with ripping SACD's to digital so I cannot speak to that. Your CD's you will rip straight to FLAC which is the digital bit perfect equivalent of a CD.2. Will any laptop do, or do I need to get something specific (software/hardware/etc.).
Any laptop/desktop with a CD burner and internet connection (to get track titles, albumn art, etc) is all you need hardware wise. Software wise folks recommend the following products (in order recommended):
dbpoweramp (free 30 day trial, 50 bucks to buy) - this software is for ripping and managing the track info, artist, ect ONLY
mediamonkey (free media management, 50 to buy) - this software can rip as well, but is used mostly as a media playback program (better replacement for Media Player)
Jriver (50 dollars IIRC) - this software can rip, manage media and also includes a powerful calibration software that allows you to EQ your room digitally.3. I will need to purchase a separate DAC right? I can't just go through my current CD Player, or directly into the amp from my laptop right?
You will need to purchase a DAC since I dont think your pre-amp has a coaxial/hdmi/optical input. You cannot use your CD player unless its got a digital (coaxial or optical) input4. Other than the ease of sorting, organizing, etc. is there any other advantage? Do people who lived the CD/SACD life that have switched, do you miss anything from that quality?
Yes, main advantage is normally if your devices are all on the sane network, you have the ability to add other devices in other locations and they can have access to the same files.
I can access my library in my 2 channel system, and in my main HT system without doing anything special. I could add more networked devices to basically port music into every room in my house.
Once the file is digital it makes that MUCH easier.
In addition you can then easily make a backup of your entire library, so should god forbid the house burn down, if you had a hard drive with all that data on it, you've not lost any of your music.
I would PM Heiney9 and Steveinaz to ask about the switch. Steve uses a Squeezebox Touch and was a CD junkie for years so he will have a good compare between going from Discs to Digital. Same w/ Brock.5. What are the drawbacks?
Main drawback honestly is picking what software to use, and keeping up with the tech, so its not a LOT different than using a CD. Newer software comes out just like newer CD players come out and you just need to do your research to see if there might be a "better" option.
With that said, if you never plan to put music elsewhere in the house, you don't have to stay on top of the newest networked devices nearly that bad.
Here are my question for you:
How do you anticipate hooking up your computer to the pre-amp? Is your computer is the same room so you can see your monitor screen to browse your library and select track/cd's? If thats not ideal you may need to also purchase a network streaming device (aka Squeezebox Classic, Touch, Sono's, etc). Most of these devices have app's to allow you to select and browse your library direct from your phone."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the link and advice so far. To answer your question Endlershadow - I do not know how I anticipate hooking up my computer to the preamp. I am assuming I may be using a laptop. I guess the safest bet would be to do the transfer's, then back everything up onto an external HD, just to be safe. I get a work laptop that I can use, that would be handy. Any problems doing the files on there, and backing them all up on an external HD? That way if it needs to get updated or erased, i will have the files and not have to redo all the transers?
Is there a 'free' program to do the ripping of files and file management? I guess the 50 bucks is worth it, but I"m cheap, and the cheaper the better, if it's still functional.
I'm not sold on this year. I would have to purchase a DAC, but other than that, I guess I would just be burning the CD's I already have over to the digital. Then I guess I would use the SACD player just for SACD's. I am interested, mainly for the easy and lack of hassle changing CD's, and finding any song at a moment's notice. I got frustrated as I purcahsed some CD's over the weekend, and had to find a place for them, and was looking for something, and couldn't quite find it, and ...just GRR.
Thanks for the continued advice.
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
I think EAC is still free, you could use that to rip your music but not sure how simple it is to use or if it does tagging as well. If you're going to be using the computer to play audio (vs streaming to another device that handles playback) then you may as well get JRiver now because it'll do the ripping and you'll need it eventually to get good playback sound quality.
I suggest you at least start with the first post in the thread I linked above, it still applies today and should help. Programs have evolved and there are more options, but you should at least have an idea of how you want things to work and it should help you with that. When you have an approach then you can ask questions about specific programs and how to accomplish it. -
Or you can just get an Oppo 105D player which can play your cd/sacd as well as your high resolution music files. Its built in DAC is also a good one.
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Last time I tried to use EAC (over 5 years ago) the free version didn't download the CD info from any of the online databases. You had to either pay for that or manually type in the album/artist/track titles for every CD. If that's still true then I would definitely pay for one of the options that saved me that hassle.
I have bought both dbPoweramp and Jriver. I've always just used dbPoweramp for CD ripping out of habit and because it can be configured to make absolutely sure it rips your disks correctly without any errors. Jriver may do the same, but I just use it as a player and to convert files to DSD because that format seems to sound better on my DAC than flac.
You are definitely going to want a dedicated DAC because the audio coming out of your laptop will likely be not good by comparison to your SACD player. If you wanted to follow the usual pattern of quoting a budget, everyone here would be happy to spend your money. -
I think I got a free version of Nero a few years ago after buying a super cheap dvd drive. I use it to rip cds. But don't windows media player and iTunes both have free ripping software? Real Player? I've never paid for any rippers, burners, players, etc.
The biggest hassle with all of this is the burning process, in my opinion. Very time consuming and boring. But once you do all of that, you must have at least two backups. I currently have four backups; two computers, and two external usb hard drives. I keep one of the external drives unplugged in case of lightening strike. I also have dogs and weapons. And I'm a martial artist.
Two Channel Setup:
Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
DAC: Arcam irDac
Source: iMac
Remote Control: iPad Mini
3.2 Home Theater Setup:
Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
Center: Klipsch RP-160M
Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
TV Source: DirecTV Genie -
Loud & Clear wrote: »...The biggest hassle with all of this is the burning process, in my opinion. Very time consuming and boring. But once you do all of that, you must have at least two backups. I currently have four backups; two computers, and two external usb hard drives. I keep one of the external drives unplugged in case of lightening strike. I also have dogs and weapons. And I'm a martial artist.
LMAO... you're not kidding. I had a hard drive fail on me... luckily it was early on in my conversion process so only had to re-rip a little over 100 gigs worth of stuff. Now I rip to a mirrored raid drive, periodically back that up to another drive I keep in a storage unit, and copy the music to the music server I play it from. But this is more convenient than keeping track of all the physical media.
And forget what I said about the DAC. I just found the post where you said you have a MF M6I. That has an integrated DAC. You should be able to get off the ground with that before you start to audition outboard DACs. Just found this in a review (http://www.goodsound.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153:musical-fidelity-m6i-integrated-amplifier&catid=56&Itemid=37):
MF says that this DAC section is based on the company's V-DAC, and that “CD, MP3, WAV files played on any software should now play through the M6i.” -
On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »LMAO... you're not kidding. I had a hard drive fail on me... luckily it was early on in my conversion process so only had to re-rip a little over 100 gigs worth of stuff. Now I rip to a mirrored raid drive, periodically back that up to another drive I keep in a storage unit, and copy the music to the music server I play it from. But this is more convenient than keeping track of all the physical media.
Meant to say that I don't enjoy the ripping process, but you knew what I meant. Yeah, the dreaded hard drive failure without backup. Awful.
Two Channel Setup:
Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
DAC: Arcam irDac
Source: iMac
Remote Control: iPad Mini
3.2 Home Theater Setup:
Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
Center: Klipsch RP-160M
Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
TV Source: DirecTV Genie -
It's a very busy week, but I figure this weekend I can experiment. Maybe I'll just rip a few CDs, test it out and see what I think. I guess I can't lose that way.
Question...
Do all cds burn to the same quality if they are lossless. I know some CDs are 'audiophile quality' (whatever that means) and some are recorded poorly. Is there any outside influence as to the quality of file (software used, computer used etc.) that will affect sound?2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
I found one of the biggest challenges to be keeping my digital music organized. It took me a few months to get it all ripped, but years to get it all tagged, and organized properly.
I finnally settled on JRIVER media center to organize and manage the files, but they're actually loaded onto a 4-bay SYNOLOGY NAS which shares them out over the network.Receiver: ONKYO TX-NR929 7.1 AVR 130wpc
Mains: 2x Polk RTA 8TL's
Center: Polk CS245i
Surrounds: 2x Klipsch RS-41ii (because they fit perfectly over the door and window)
Rear Surr: 2x Polk M4a '90
Subwoofer: Speakerlab DAS-SW dual-voice-coil 10" '88 30Hz-150Hz
Subwoofer Amp: ONKYO A-8019 AMP '85 100wpc
Display: Samsung 55" UNC55-8000 3D LED
Console: Xbox360
DVR: custom MythTV rig w/ 3 tuners OTA
Zone2: 2x Polk M5b '87 -
I've been looking around and doing some research. I guess I feel old, because I use a computer to just type and search the web. I've not gotten into the digital trend, but I'm all about easy (Once the ripping is done).
Can you guys look at this:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=123371.0
I saw this, and I'm wondering what it is. Is this just the 'computer' portion? I recognize the HD, Ram, OSX operating system, etc. I'm not sure what the 'server' means? It lists things like: PureMusic 1.89 for DSD / PCM playback Which I'm not sure what it is. Is this the playback and tagging software?
Again, I'm considering using my work laptop, which usually gets updated each summer, so I'd lose the files. My plan would be to back every file I rip onto my external HD - is this a good plan as long as I back it up? Will there be issues with purchasing and d/ling software for ripping and burning, and then having to re-download it?
THanks,
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »Last time I tried to use EAC (over 5 years ago) the free version didn't download the CD info from any of the online databases. You had to either pay for that or manually type in the album/artist/track titles for every CD. If that's still true then I would definitely pay for one of the options that saved me that hassle.
Really? I've used nothing BUT the free version for the last 5 years- no problem. Only cd that wasn't
in the database was a local artist. It's not the easiest to set up, but it's pretty well documented.
EAC and FOOBAR are free and work pretty well. I also don't like the nonsense.
FoOBAR has none. Basic player that works."The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson -
Question...
Do all cds burn to the same quality if they are lossless. I know some CDs are 'audiophile quality' (whatever that means) and some are recorded poorly. Is there any outside influence as to the quality of file (software used, computer used etc.) that will affect sound?
Almost all the CDs you're likely to run into have the same bit-depth (16 bits) and sampling rate (44.1kHz). The first number indicates the range of values that can be measured (24-bit means a greater range than 16) and sampling rate is how many times per second the analog signal was measured and encoded into digital. (http://tweakheadz.com/16-bit-vs-24-bit-audio/). All CDs that can be played on a regular CD player have these same numbers (16/44.1). It doesn't matter if they pressed it onto a gold CD or used their special proprietary K2 mastering or anything else when it comes to the rip. Those things *might* matter depending on the CD player you have in your stereo system, but not to the one in your computer you will be using to rip CDs. The only exception I know of is any CD encoded using the HDCD process, which uses magic math to get 20 bits off the CD instead of 16. Those are very rare, so probably not worth worrying about at this point.
What does matter to the quality of your rip is how well your CD player and ripping software deals with errors it reads off the disc during the rip. EAC and dbPoweramp both calculate a checksum based on the data they read off the disc and compare that value to a database of rips other people have done. If the value matches, you know you have a good rip. If it doesn't match for any reason, they wil re-read the disc multiple times to make sure the multiple reads match each other and are likely to be error free. I think Jriver just does the multiple reads part only.
Once the data is ripped, then it is encoded, meaning you could turn it from a WAV into an MP3 (don't do that, storage is cheap enough the amount of space you save isn't worth it in a 2-channel home system) or a FLAC file. The conversion process isn't foolproof and ideally the converted files should be verified. dbPoweramp can be configured to do this automatically, and I'm not sure if Jriver can or not.
Assuming your rip is accurate and the conversion was successful (this happy path happens at least 99% of the time) you now have a perfect copy of what was on the CD. Like you said the mastering could have been crap on your CD to begin with, and the mastering is usually better on the CDs that someone went to the trouble to print on gold, etc.Can you guys look at this:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=123371.0
I saw this, and I'm wondering what it is. Is this just the 'computer' portion? I recognize the HD, Ram, OSX operating system, etc. I'm not sure what the 'server' means? It lists things like: PureMusic 1.89 for DSD / PCM playback Which I'm not sure what it is. Is this the playback and tagging software?
Yep, you got it right, just the computer with no monitor or keyboard, but could be plugged into an HDTV / receiver via HDMI if your 2-channel rig is part of or near by your home theater. I don't know anything about Apple machines as music servers, but yes the PureMusic is playback software. Unless you're familiar with Apple already I'd stick with a Windows Lappy for now personally.sucks2beme wrote: »Really? I've used nothing BUT the free version for the last 5 years- no problem. Only cd that wasn't
in the database was a local artist. It's not the easiest to set up, but it's pretty well documented.
EAC and FOOBAR are free and work pretty well. I also don't like the nonsense.
FoOBAR has none. Basic player that works.
Yep, you're totally right on this one. I checked again and EAC pulled down all the track info... I must have had it wired up wrong the last time. It seemed not too difficult to set up this time (about on par with dbPoweramp) so either it got easier or I got smarter (not likely). But, I think if I was starting fresh I might just go with Jriver as an all-in-one ripping and playback solution. It seems to do everything well enough and ease-of-use is head and shoulders above EAC, dbPoweramp and FooBAR. I was trying to get DSD out to a DAC recently, and FooBAR was quite difficult to get set up correctly. Jriver much easier. Obviously, that's not something Pycroft has to worry about right now. :biggrin: -
Darnit...
I didn't think about Windows v. Mac. My school laptop is a Macbook Pro, so I guess I'm screwed using any of the programs you guys suggested?
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
For CDs, its easy enough. For Windows PC/Laptop, I would say EAC (which does have Freedb for track ID now), but since you are on Mac, just use Itunes and set it to rip as Apple Lossless (ALAC). Should be a mostly perfect copy of the CD, and you can also play it on an Ipod/Iphone. Not sure how big the drive is in your Macbook, but you'll probably want to invest in a large external drive to hold the whole collection. Something like a WD Elements 1TB (usb 3.0). They are available for ~$60 these days.
For SACD, forget about trying to rip them. The copy protection on them is stout. I'd just keep the SACDs separate and continue to play them through your existing player.
A DAC would be recommended since the analog audio output on most laptops is sub-par. Which integrated did you go with again? Was it the M6i? If so, doesn't that have built in DAC? That would make it easy to hook the Macbook connect directly by USB.
BTW, as for file types, any type of 'lossless' will essentially be the same quality and equivalent to the uncompressed WAV file (which is the same sound quality as what is on the CD). The main ones are FLAC FLAC, and APE. If you are sticking with Mac OS, then ALAC is your only easy choice.For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore... -
I just experimented with ITunes, I went to preferences, and selected for it to rip using Apple Lossless, but it made a .m4a. Is that correct? It didn't take as long as others made it seem like it would - maybe 8 minutes to burn a 1 hour 20 minute disc.
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
Yes, m4a is the container for ALAC. Ripping a disc should never take more than 10 minutes unless you are doing a secure rip with EAC (which can take 30+ minutes). I'm not sure if there is a choice of extraction/ripping speed, but if there is select the lowest to ensure the best quality. 8x is about the fastest I would rip a CD (if given a choice).For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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I just experimented with ITunes, I went to preferences, and selected for it to rip using Apple Lossless, but it made a .m4a. Is that correct? It didn't take as long as others made it seem like it would - maybe 8 minutes to burn a 1 hour 20 minute disc.
I have been using iTunes for a few years now to rip to Apple Lossless. It is pretty fast. Also, be sure you have error checking enbabled.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I have use Itunes forever but recently bought Mediamonkey. Now I know MM is great but it isnt working at all for me, I simply don't read computer language so my set up was bad from the beginning, tags must have been set up wrong. No matter what I do, it is all tagged wrong and it does not play the music correctly.
These threads are great for me to read, I'm afraid I will just have to start over from scratch and do it right. -
It's been a very busy weekend. I finally had a chance to move forward on this. I downloaded the free version of EAC, and ripped my first CD. I selected a .flac file, but once it finished, the type of file says Wave Sound. They are huge - averaging 100mb per track (7-10 minute tracks). Is this correct?
Also, Can I ONLY use EAC - will it catalog all of my CD's I rip, or do I need other software for that?
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
If you're on a Mac you have a couple choices.
You can use iTunes and rip to Apple Lossless, it's not quite as standard as FLAC, but most players support it. You rip to Apple lossless with error checking enabled and you're good to go, iTunes then creates and manages your tags and the library in general. Out of the box, iTunes does not have the very granular control that other programs like JRiver and MediaMonkey have, but there are AppleScripts out there that you can run within iTunes that get you the functionality you need. If you go this route google dougs apple scripts and you'll find what you need. The one caveat here is that iTunes won't rip to FLAC, so if you need flac specifically then you'll need another option.
The other option is to run a Windows virtual machine using something like Parallels, which allows you to install Windows on your Mac. This is different than bootcamp (which is free with any Mac) because it allows you to run Windows basically as another app on your desktop. I use this because my company has chosen to use a VPN client that is not supported on Mac and need it to remote into work. Once you get this installed you can run dbPowerAmp or any other Windows program you want.
I personally use the Windows VM method because I need Windows for work anyway and I already have everything configured the way I like in dbPowerAmp. Were it not for work needs though I would uninstall Parallels and use the iTunes method instead because it's alot simpler and gives me the same control. I've tested it for quality out of curiosity and it has identical sound quality to my flac rips using dbPowerAmp.
EAC produces great results but I've never been a fan of the UI in that program so I don't use it personally. -
I've decided to do my ripping on a windows laptop dedicated to music. S I'll waits hear answers to my questions above. I tried ripping with my Mac, but I'm not thrilled using a work computer for all my music files.
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
It's been a very busy weekend. I finally had a chance to move forward on this. I downloaded the free version of EAC, and ripped my first CD. I selected a .flac file, but once it finished, the type of file says Wave Sound. They are huge - averaging 100mb per track (7-10 minute tracks). Is this correct?Also, Can I ONLY use EAC - will it catalog all of my CD's I rip, or do I need other software for that?
So when it rips your CD's it should be putting them in some simple folder structure such as Artist Name/CD Name. I dont remember if EAC goes to the web to grab metadata about the artists, the year it was made, etc, but it might...
So it creates your catalog just fine IIRC...
But how you access that catalog and play it will require a diff software as EAC will ONLY rip your music..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Is there free software to catalog and play?2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
Yes there is free software, for example iTunes is free even on Windows. None of that free software on Windows is gonna be as good as something like MM or JRiver though.
You get what you pay for... -
Is there free software to catalog and play?
When you say "Catalog" what do you mean?
To play your FLAC yes, there are LOTS of options. I will speak to the 2 I know of and use. MediaMonkey & XBMC
MediaMonkey has both a free and paid version of it. The paid version has more features, but the free version is like a Windows Media Center for FLAC program. It will let you create playlists, organize and edit your metadata, and browse your folder structure created by EAC.
XBMC is another program. XBMC is short for Xbox Music Player, and was originally created to turn a standard Xbox into a hard drive based music player. It can run on just about any Windows OS from Vista up to Windows 8. It is 100% free and you get a full version with anything you need in it. It is more of a image driven library in that it can show you artists pictures & names when you browse, CD covers, etc. Its mostly intended to be used for video playback (so you see the movie's cover, people in it, etc) but can be used for music and pictures as well. Lots of folks use it to access their movies they have ripped to a network storage device (NAS) and then dont need a DVD/blu-ray player..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Lastly for today - Is it okay it doesn't say it's a FLAC file even though I was supposed to rip as one? It says it's a Wave Sound file. Is this correct? I don't want to continue ripping if it's ripping in the non-best format. Thanks!
James2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player -
Nope, those are two different file formats.
Wave and AIFF are TRULY lossless formats, flac and Apple Lossless are compressed but only the bits with no sound are compressed. The end result is two files that sound the same but are very different in size.