First toe dip into the digital stream

I agree with Hellofidelity. Keep it simple with iTunes. In addition to choosing a lossless codec (I prefer AIFF), also be sure to turn on error correction in the "import settings" of iTunes. The codec setting and error correction can be found by opening iTunes, click on iTunes on the top banner (next to the apple), click on preferences from the drop down menu, look on the general tab and where you see "When I insert a CD", choose what you want the MAC to do (I select "ask to import CD"), then finally click on "import settings". On the import settings tab, select your codec (apple lossless or AIFF), then click on the box to turn on error correction.

That's it! Now whenever you insert a CD, iTunes will launch and ask if you want to import the CD. It will use your chosen codec and use error correction.

Simple as pie! Now you'll need to decide how you want to manage a library of all of your CDs! Some folks just rip everything to the music folder, which is fine. Some folks create a new playlist for every CD. Your choice, but you can always create new playlist from your previously ripped CDs in the music folder at a future time.

Enjoy,

TIC

Oops! I forgot to mention "Error Correction". Thank you Reubent for the correction.

Please also check out the primers on "Computer Audiophile" website for lots of information from beginners to advanced. I also went for the simplest start up system, using an older Apple G4 that I inherited from my sons, added 2 USB hard drives at $100 each, an iPod touch used for $150 as a controller for Remote and VNC. Be sure to configure the USB drives to back each other up or periodically back up one to another. They will fail! For a total of $350 invested, it is money well spent. I added a M2Tech hiface for a USB>spdif converter for another $150. That's a total of $500. Be sure to have fun! I am using iTunes with Apple Lossless files. Budget about 6-7 CDs per hour to rip.

Ericjcabrera....yes, you can stream to more than one AirPort Express at a time. I use them in large homes where there are as many as 30+ rooms without any trouble.

There are three things to consider:

1. 802.11n (that's with a "n") allows for better streaming when multiple AirPorts Express units are used. Sometimes 802.11b/g (that's with a "b" or "g") can cut out or have lag when several are used. You can hardwire the AirPort Express units if your router is "b" or "g".

2. Apple converts ALL data on an AirTunes network to Apple Lossless, so the AirPort Express can only do 16/44. I don't find this a problem since most, if not all, my music is 16/44, but keep this in mind if it effects you.

3. Volume control for the additional AirPort Express units can be either fixed or variable. This means that either each AirPort Express will just be a line level (analog or digital) source, in which you will need to make sure there is a local volume control for each system, or you can have it adjust when the iTunes volume is changed. I prefer that the AirPort Express units be fixed so each system/room can be independent.

I hope this helps....