Finally Rippin' some CD's to Flac Files
Mike Reeter
Posts: 4,315
Comments
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I hope you live near me so you can show me how that's done. I have no clue...Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
I have read conflicting things about the outcome of doing that. I have some folks who swear by high end rippers and others who say it can be done with just a normal computer and the right software. What are your thoughts?
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I hope you live near me so you can show me how that's done. I have no clue...
LOL, I had to enlist my wife to aid in the process. Once you get it down, it's just very repetitious. I only ripped a couple hundred, I'd hate to rip a thousand or so!
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joecoulson wrote: »I have read conflicting things about the outcome of doing that. I have some folks who swear by high end rippers and others who say it can be done with just a normal computer and the right software. What are your thoughts?
Joe, I'm not schooled enough to know the difference. I just did a trial of dbpoweramp and ripped to Flac. Playing through my OPPO UDP-203 and PS Audio DAC.
The files sound just about as good as the CD's, it's more about convenience I guess, I listen to CD's when I'm puttering around the house, doing whatever.
If I want to do some Real Listening, I put on an LP.
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Interesting.
When I compare the FLAC files streamed directly from TIDAL in 44.1 format, they don’t really hold a candle to the CDs played from my Denon/PS audio combo. That’s why I was curious about how the files sounded when Ripped. They must be
Somehow better quality than the streamed version. -
joecoulson wrote: »Interesting.
When I compare the FLAC files streamed directly from TIDAL in 44.1 format, they don’t really hold a candle to the CDs played from my Denon/PS audio combo. That’s why I was curious about how the files sounded when Ripped. They must be
Somehow better quality than the streamed version.
A Streamer of some sort is on the "The List". I'd like to experience what Streaming has to offer.
I'm looking at a Bluesound Node II, then I can do a comparison as well.
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Ripping is easy, but tedious. I have been using iTunes to RIP them to lossless ALAC (Apple's version of FLAC). As far as how they sound that is completely dependent on the player. A PC playing the files is the absolute worst way to play them. With my Lumin they sound superb.
While the CD player does sound good, it is not the equal of the Lumin. Plus, with ripped files you can make playlists of your favorite songs. I have multiple playlists now with a total of over a 1000 different songs. This also contains files I downloaded from HDTracks.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. -
Do you run the CD through the Lumin for playback ?
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No. The Lumin plays the ripped file. The CD sits on the shelf gathering dust.
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. -
Mike Reeter wrote: »joecoulson wrote: »I have read conflicting things about the outcome of doing that. I have some folks who swear by high end rippers and others who say it can be done with just a normal computer and the right software. What are your thoughts?
Joe, I'm not schooled enough to know the difference. I just did a trial of dbpoweramp and ripped to Flac. Playing through my OPPO UDP-203 and PS Audio DAC.
The files sound just about as good as the CD's, it's more about convenience I guess, I listen to CD's when I'm puttering around the house, doing whatever.
If I want to do some Real Listening, I put on an LP.
Joe, I should have said "I'm using the OPPO as a Server into the PS Audio DAC"
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Ripping is easy, but tedious. I have been using iTunes to RIP them to lossless ALAC (Apple's version of FLAC). As far as how they sound that is completely dependent on the player. A PC playing the files is the absolute worst way to play them. With my Lumin they sound superb.
While the CD player does sound good, it is not the equal of the Lumin. Plus, with ripped files you can make playlists of your favorite songs. I have multiple playlists now with a total of over a 1000 different songs. This also contains files I downloaded from HDTracks.
Ok. So where do you live...Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
La la land. 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. -
No. The Lumin plays the ripped file. The CD sits on the shelf gathering dust.
you need a top shelf transport.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
I originally used EAC (Exact Audio Copy) which is a free software but now I just use JRiver. And after a while, and since I have under 400 CD's, plus, since storage is so cheap now days, I started just ripping everything in uncompressed WAV. And I just use my PC's drive. You really don't need anything fancy.2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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Nice, Mike, kinda fun, isn't it?
What's not fun, though, is when you're just starting, and testing out different stuff in your process, and ending up having to re-rip.
I ended up Dynamatting my optical drive and bits of the chassis mostly just because it would vibrate the whole chassis during high speed rips.
Next up for you - maybe digital video library? I disabled signatures. -
Nice, Mike, kinda fun, isn't it?
What's not fun, though, is when you're just starting, and testing out different stuff in your process, and ending up having to re-rip.
I ended up Dynamatting my optical drive and bits of the chassis mostly just because it would vibrate the whole chassis during high speed rips.
Next up for you - maybe digital video library?
LOL, I don't have enough Video content to make that a worthy project.
I've had thoughts of Digitizing my Vinyl collection one day, but then I think "why put all the Analog Sweetness on a Digital File"
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The conversion/transforming of CD or Vinyl to actual digital format is pretty simple. CD are already in digital format (101010), so you are just making a copy of a digital file. The format you choose and playback unit is where you will hear differences from the source. The software out there today is on par with one another, If it gives you the option to rip to Flac to Mp3 you are covered. The argument of bit perfect copy is more about fuzzy math since all computer data is transferred bit to bit.
Playback is a different deal, if you are using a computer/NAS or some other storage drive it is not the issues anymore as with most software the part you are using (program/files) are stored in a cache memory. Using a computer comes with other parts that can generate hums and vibrations (fans). I would recommend a storage device that you can connect directly to you playback device or to your network. Storage space is so cheap now days its a no brainer. You can pick up 2-4 TB for under a $100 bucks. I have several devices ranging from 350GB to 4TB some acting as backups to others and others as extra storage space so I don't fill up the main drive with photos/videos or music. Ripping is one of the first mind numbing task that comes with digital storage, but like the old days of Dbase I-IV, someone has to enter in the data. The second step is tagging, the music industry likes to get the last laugh and making you tag your collection of CD's or Vinyl that you have collected over half if not more of your life time is a task for the dedicated audio fan. I just posted a video on this subject, so go check it out if you are a beginner or a long time digital fan that never took the time to tag each and every song you have. Downloaded tracks are nice as most are already tagged properly, but some CD's are not or don't have any info at all on the disk, all you get is track 1,2,3,4..... Classical music is notorious for such things, also Greatest hits CD's play this game. Its a labor of love, but once you done it you will truly enjoy your music on a level that you never dreamed of.
Playback, as with any part of your system what you hear is dependent on the ability of your equipment. Most important fact is this, a good recording will sound good on most systems, a bad recording will sound bad or worst on better gear.Family Room HT 7.2/i]:Vizio Oled55h1 Pioneer Elite SC-LX502 Pioneer Elite BDP 85FD Eversolo DMP A6 Panamax M5300-EXSpeakers Fronts Fluance XF8L Center Polk Audio S35 Side Surrounds Fluance bipolar Rear Surrounds FluanceXF8 Bookshelf Subs SVS PB4000 x2 Living room 2ch: Crown Xli 1500 amp Teac EQ MKII FX Audio X6 Mk II DAC Squeezebox Touch Fluance Signature Tower Speakers Panamax M5100-EXOffice media room:Vizio M50Q6 50" Pioneer Elite VSX LX301 Eversolo DMP-A6 Polkaudio R50 Towers Polkaudio CS 10 Panamax M4300 Monoprice 12" subMaster bedroom:Vizio M55Q7 Pioneer Elite VSX LX302 Pioneer Elite BDP 85FD Squeezebox Touch Polk audio RTi 6 fronts, Rears Dayton B652 Polk Audio CS10 center Monoprice 12" sub Panamax M5300-EX -
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mhardy6647 wrote: »
From a Sonic stand point, quite possibly. From the convenience side, a worthy endeavor.
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Sonically it's usually better and for convenience worth all the effort.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Oh, I meant joining the 21st Century.
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As recoveryone stated: "Storage space is so cheap now days its a no brainer."
I have a NAS with several bays to add additional HD's... so when I rip my CDs, I keep them in WAV format, uncompressed - the 'full meal deal.' They say that FLAC/AFLAC, (and even WMA to some extent) are great compression formats, but with storage cost per TB so inexpensive, I don't bother, thinking that the 'full snapshot' is the best format, no matter how clever the compression algorithms are.
Now, if/when I need to keep a library of files for mobile devices - phone or ipod type devices, then I'll look more into having a special library of condensed files for those.2.3TL's - Living Room
CRS+'s (4.1 TL's) - Office
SDA1C's - Famdamly Rm
SDA1C's - Master Bedroom -
Mike Reeter wrote: »
There are some great programs out there and tried a good handful of them to come to understand ez CD convertor was hands down above all that I experimented with. There is a nice formula that does improve sound of standard 16bit 44.1k cds without taking up much more Hard drive space but one would have to do their own homework trial n error to figure that formula out. Some 25k plus albums later I am proud to say all of my ever growing collection is ripped at ear candy levels and when I want to do some serious listening I just play one of those files!😃
Fun Hobby 4 sho."if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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Some 25k plus albums later I am proud to say all of my ever growing collection is ripped
Where in the world did you find the time to rip 25,000 CDs?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. -
Some 25k plus albums later I am proud to say all of my ever growing collection is ripped
Where in the world did you find the time to rip 25,000 CDs?
I would be Bat $hit Crazy after the first 1000 or so
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I bet he forgot a decimal point.
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2.5k albums, I bet. That's a respectable number! More than me, I ripped about 550gb of music to flac. I'm not sure how many albums that is.
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The sad part is that was the second time I did it. Many years ago I had ripped everything to MP3. D'oh!
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2.5k albums, I bet. That's a respectable number! More than me, I ripped about 550gb of music to flac. I'm not sure how many albums that is.
That's a lot of work in anybodies book!
