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Computer-based digital audio repository system

I was interested in putting together a computer system that would allow me to rip my CD's onto a large hard drive as .WAV files (full CD data preserved). The system would then organize my data so that I could extra pieces of it to burn to a CD for use in the car, or send some of it to an MP3 player for use while exercising. Or, it could function as a jukebox that would either let me specifically select something that I want to hear or I would select a genre and it would automatically choose the source. This would then be routed through a digital cable to an external DAC and through an audiophile-grade system.

I was wondering if anybody was doing this already and, if so, what hardware and software you're using to make it happen. I am currently experimenting with a software product called MusicMatch Jukebox to see if this is feasible with that software.

I appreciate the opinions and experience of people who have already tried this.

Michael
sufentanil
imin2u
392 posts
 
I am currently in the process of trying to do what you are describing. Additionally, I'm trying to use an external audiophile transport to avoid the "slippery" quality of all PC cd drives I've come up against.

I'm feeding the transport via a S/PDIF coaxial output to a M-Audio (Midiman) Audiophile USB units' S/PDIF coaxial input. The Audiophile USB then sends the digital signal to the computer via it's USB connection. I store in WAV format.

I play the WAV files back (using the Music Match Jukebox) from the hard drive through the USB cable to the Audiophile USB then out the RCA outputs to the pre-amp.

The nice things about the Audiophile USB are :
1) It has a S/PDIF coaxial digital input and output
2) It has a stereo pair of unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs
3) It has a stereo pair of balanced 1/4" inputs
and most of all:
4) It is also a 24/96 DAC and 24/96 Analog to Digital converter.

On the other side of the coin:
1) The manual sucks.
2) The install was not easy.
3) The unit is controlled by software. This is because it is actually designed to convert your PC into a digital recorder. (The music demo cd that comes with it sounds great).
4) Support varies from bad to great but atleast they always answer the phone 9-5PST
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
Get an Apple G5 and an Apple iPod. Together with the supplied iTunes software this system will meet all your goals. The G5 has built in optical (Toslink) digital I/O; iTunes will organize your music into playlists and the iPod will allow you to take that music wherever you go. This system will be fully integrated and very easy to use. The sound quality will be determined by the quality of the external D/A converter you use. As a stand alone unit the Apple is equivalent to a very high quality CD transport.

When outfitted with twin 250Gb internal hard drives the G5 can hold approximately 800 CD at full 16bit/44.1kHz resolution. Firewire hard drives can be easily added if you require additional storage capacity. Depending on exactly how you configure it, an Apple setup will cost approximately $2,500 to $3,000.
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
i have a squeezebox 2 feeding an mf xdac3 into modified shanling stp 80 integrated driving a pair of vs vr1...makes for a very quiet and dynamic sound with a very detailed midrange...i am thinking of having the squeezebox modified ....has anybody had any experience with mods...thanks
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