pc vs mac, eac vs itunes

I used EAC and created a cue and sfv. Actually if I did it again I would probably create maybe 1 0r 2% par files instead of the sfv. Ripped with EAC and the offsets properly set up you have an exact bit for bit copy. So much so that I can then use the cue sheet and burn the files to a CDR. If I then check that CDR with accurip it will show up as an exact match of the original. The other thing I would say is to create a backup. I had to rerip a large number of discs because of a hard drive crash on a brand new drive.

The Mac vs PC thing is a classic debate and, as with most topics in audio, there isn't a single answer. I rip CD's using either my Mac or PC and then transfer the data to a Linux-based music server. So in a way I use both or neither, depending on how you look at it.

What else do you plan on doing with the computer besides having it as a music server? That will help to answer your question, because there are things that Mac's are very good at (video editing, for example), and there are things for which there is only software available on the PC. (Although you can actually run Windows within a virtual machine on a Mac using software such as Parallels.) It all depends on your personal preferences, willingness to learn at new system, compatibility with things at work and home, etc.

Michael

There is a Mac's FREE application called MAX: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/19873 that does what EAC is doing (only better). It can create exact copy (CDparanoia algorithm with "no skip" option) but also converts any format to any format and can obtain metadata (if missing) decoded by Itunes and download covers to finally output to I tunes in any format selected (I use Apple Losless).

Sufentanil: I plan on dedicating the hardware to the music system, i.e., no other uses but for music.

I prefer dbpoweramp over EAC. AFAIK, they're the only two to use accuraterip. I find EACs interface easier. Make sure you use the correct offset for your drive.