Saskatoon TechWorks Forum

I am curious about how to create a digital storage system for music that will be able to play CD quality or as close to as possible from a file.

1) What type of file is best to use when ripping from a CD? Is there a file better than .wav?

2) When ripping a CD, what are the considerations that will affect the quality of the file? Speed of the CD drive, speed of the ripping?

3) I am now interested in the considerations from file to a DAC. After a DAC, the signal will then be in the stereo system etc. So to get the best signal from file to DAC what is needed?

3.1) Is there a difference in sound quality if the files are stored on a SSD vs. a HDD? In a SSD you won't be able to get as much data stored as you would on a HDD, could be a consideration at this point, but in a couple years will SSD's have ample storage space?
3.2) What are the software considerations? OS? Music players? I don't know much about music servers, for a home stereo system would a music server work best? If so, how would one set one up?

Are there any other considerations from CD to file to DAC for a digital storage system?

Any bits of information will be much appreciated.

Cheers
CH

1) Look into FLAC (Free Lose-less Audio Codec).
2)
Quality:
will not be affected by CD speed etc. Quality is only affected by the codec (FLAC, OGG, MP3 etc) you ripping to and any settings such as sample rate you choose for that codec.
Speed:
Drive speed and processor speed may slow down ripping but you would need fairly old equipment for it to be really noticeable.
3) Not really sure what you are describing here. Is this D/A converter going into an old tube amp or something? A good sound card can go a long way, well beyond my hearing range. But if you want TRS output or to really top end audio output talk to some music stores (Mother's Music, etc) about some of their audio devices used for recording setups, they usually have a couple outputs.
3.1) No. Modern HDD are more than fast enough for audio formats. Worth noting is that: HDD that are kept spinning are subject to bit flip, while SDD wear out from being written too many times. Either way have a backup, preferably off site, but that is just good advice in general not specific to this.
3.2) User interface, find one you like. If they play the codec UI is the only other thing. I am a fan of XBMC (runs on top of linux, windows and Mac OS) but I use it more for video playback and some pod casts not sure it will suite you.

I started to write a reply to this twice, but didn't have a chance to really say what I wanted to.

When it comes to DACs, an optical output is probably the best way, and fairly cheap. They also come built in to http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57012&vpn ... cture=Acer , which play 1080p video just fine, so should be great for what you need

In addition, I completely second Odemia's vote for XBMC. Free and powerful. Plays FLAC. Can access NAS