Please help a Computer Newbiephile please!!

Spirit · « **on:** 18 Sep 2006, 11:06 pm »

OK- so here's the truth. I don't know how to transfer my CDs onto my hard drive.
I admit it. I am a 2 finger typing, 50 year old Computer shy man with thick glasses.
I need help. Here is what I want to do. If anyone is willing to help me with specific instructions I would be very much indebted.

I want to start the process of transferring my CD library onto my computer.
I spoke to Wayne at Bolder Cables and he gave me a brief primer about the Squeezebox revolution and I think it is time for me to join.
Here is what he suggested:

1: Rip (I guess that is the proper term) all my CDs using a program called "Easy CD-DA Extractor". He said this was a very user friendly program.
2: Then use FLAC (I'm not sure exactly what that means). I hope he wasn't giving me any...
3: After I have all the CDs on the system I want to buy a basic Squeezebox so that I can use my wireless router to send the stream from the computer to the squeezebox which is
only a few feet away in my home office. I assume tgis would allow me to remove my old CD player from the system.
4: After I have mastered this and am pleased with sound I will send the SB to Wayne for mods and probably transfer the SB to my basement system which is the Big Rig so to speak.
5: I read that SB is coming out with an audiophile version called Transporter, but I have a feeling that spending the money with Wayne will probably yield a better sonic result.

So, that's the plan.
I hope that one of you nice, gentle AC members will be willing to reply to this posting and give me a click by click, Music Loading for Dummies, kind of direction.
I will give you an example how frustrating this can be. I went to FLAC site, clicked on
"Downlaods", scrolled to the Windows section and clicked on FLAC 1.1.2 with installer and got that ugly "The Page can't be displayed". So, you see I really need the nursery school help.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions or doesn't think mu plan has merit, please don't be shy.
I guess I should mention what I do have:
My computer is an HP Media Center 7360n

Double Ugly · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Sep 2006, 11:58 pm »

Hi Spirit,

After you've purchased and loaded Easy CD-DA Extractor (excellent program, BTW), FLAC will be one of many choices you will find via a pull-down menu on the bottom left side of the page. In my set-up, I selected .flac and Compression Level 4. From there, it's as simple as selecting the folder you want to CD ripped to, and hitting the "Rip CD" button on the bottom right side of the page.

Wayne's right about the program. I used EAC when I began using my computer for audio server duties, but I've become so enamored with Easy CD-DA Extractor in the time since a friend told me about it that I've actually deleted EAC from my hard drive. It rips files as accurately as EAC, does it far more quickly, and is *infinitely* easier to use.

IMO, you're more likely to have difficulties getting the Squeezebox and wireless router to work and play together than ripping CDs. I don't mean for that to scare you - it shouldn't - but wireless networks can sometimes be a real bugger.

As for Wayne's mods, you've made the right choice. I owned his "Ultimate" power supply, and had him make extensive modifications to my Squeezebox. The resulting sound was as good or better than any other digital rig I've ever heard. No one has heard the Transporter yet, but given my experience with Wayne's mods, I believe you'll be both surprised and pleased with the results.

Good luck.

-Jim

Spirit · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 12:06 am »

Quote from: Double Ugly on 18 Sep 2006, 11:58 pm

In my set-up, I selected .flac and Compression Level 4.

IMO, you're more likely to have difficulties getting the Squeezebox and wireless router to work and play together than ripping CDs. I don't mean for that to scare you - it shouldn't - but wireless networks can sometimes be a real bugger.

thanks Jim:
A couple of questions - remember I am a complete newb.
1: Compression 4 - Does choosing this setting lessen the quality of sound or is there a better sound setting.
2: Can the SB be linked from the computer by ethernet cable?
If this is correct, I don't have to go wireless because the SB will only be about 8 feet from
my computer.
Much appreciated

Brad · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 12:08 am »

The Squeezebox can connect via wired Ethernet - this will actually be easier to set up for you and guarantee more bandwidth. I believe the wired only version is $50 cheaper, too.

Double Ugly · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 12:19 am »

Quote from: Spirit on 19 Sep 2006, 12:06 am

1: Compression 4 - Does choosing this setting lessen the quality of sound or is there a better sound setting.

Absolutely not. It only means that the file will take up less space on your hard drive (approximately 30-40% in my experience).

Quote from: Spirit on 19 Sep 2006, 12:06 am

2: Can the SB be linked from the computer by ethernet cable?
If this is correct, I don't have to go wireless because the SB will only be about 8 feet from
my computer.
Much appreciated

Brad is correct. It can be wired directly - which is a much easier route to take - and you are guaranteed more bandwidth. The additional bandwidth isn't much of an issue if all you're doing is streaming audio, but given the proximity of your computer, I'd definitely go wired.

-Jim

Spirit · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 12:41 am »

OK Doube Ug:
So let me get this straight (and don't laugh!).
What you are saying is that all I have to do is use the Easy CD-DA program and it will b e like a one-stop shop.
In otherwords this will be equivelent to using Itunes.
Am I right?
Assuming this is the case, do I follow some knid of instructions or am I in for a guessing game?

Double Ugly · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 01:38 am »

Quote from: Spirit on 19 Sep 2006, 12:41 am

What you are saying is that all I have to do is use the Easy CD-DA program and it will b e like a one-stop shop.
In otherwords this will be equivelent to using Itunes.
Am I right?

Since my first Apple computer won't be delivered until Wednesday, I have no idea how Easy CD compares to iTunes. Perhaps someone here has had exposure to both and can comment.

Quote from: Spirit on 19 Sep 2006, 12:41 am

Assuming this is the case, do I follow some knid of instructions or am I in for a guessing game?

I don't understand what you're asking.

If you plan to use an Apple computer, Easy CD-DA Extractor isn't an option (Windows only). If that isn't the case and you want to learn more about the program, I suggest you register with their Support Forum and pose your questions to folks much more knowledgeable than I.

Tirade · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 01:42 am »

Spirit,

While Im all for you learning how to do this process yourself, I do offer an inexpensive service to get the bulk of the work done for you and will help you to keep your new CD's ripped in the future. I've done work for Wayne and others here on AC. you can learn more in this thread.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=29176.0

Brad · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 02:00 am »

DU:

iTunes is not exclusive to Mac gear - it works pretty well on Windows too.....

Spirit · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 02:42 am »

Quote from: Tirade on 19 Sep 2006, 01:42 am

Spirit,

While Im all for you learning how to do this process yourself, I do offer an inexpensive service to get the bulk of the work done for you and will help you to keep your new CD's ripped in the future. I've done work for Wayne and others here on AC. you can learn more in this thread.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=29176.0

Hi Tirade:
Amazing what you learn on this forum.
A very interesting proposal.
I think I will send you a PM and perhaps I can get your phone number.
I promise I won't keep you on the phone to long.
Great idea.

Spirit · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 02:58 am »

BTW:
Here's a question:
What is the maximum length in feet that an ethernet cable can be linking
my computer directly to a SB, before there is a degradation of sound quality?
How's that for a newbie question!!!

Tirade · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 03:16 am »

Quote from: Spirit on 19 Sep 2006, 02:58 am

BTW:
Here's a question:
What is the maximum length in feet that an ethernet cable can be linking
my computer directly to a SB, before there is a degradation of sound quality?
How's that for a newbie question!!!

100 meters is considered the max acceptable length.. Ive seen longer runs work though I wouldnt advise it.

Double Ugly · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 03:20 am »

Quote from: Brad on 19 Sep 2006, 02:00 am

DU:

iTunes is not exclusive to Mac gear - it works pretty well on Windows too.....

I probably knew that at one time, but since I've never been tempted to try it due to the availability of .flac and other options, it left me.

Thanks for the reminder.

avta · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 03:39 am »

Spirit:
I'm a Mac user. I started with a Windows based PC but decided to try a Mac. I bought a used Mac Mini on eBay. iTunes is very easy to use. You will not have to deal with other programs such as EAC or Easy CD/DA. If you use the Apple Lossless format when ripping I think you will be satisfied. Also, no viruses or spyware to worry about. I use an external hard drive to store music files. It was easy to get up and running. I would recommend that you get the wireless Squeezebox. This way you can go wired or wireless for a small difference in cost. I've compared ripped files from EAC to iTunes and I cannot tell the difference. I did rip a couple of cd's using Easy CD/DA and couldn't tell the difference either.
Guy

Jon L · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 05:01 am »

Quote from: avta on 19 Sep 2006, 03:39 am

Spirit:
I'm a Mac user. I started with a Windows based PC but decided to try a Mac. I bought a used Mac Mini on eBay. iTunes is very easy to use. You will not have to deal with other programs such as EAC or Easy CD/DA. If you use the Apple Lossless format when ripping I think you will be satisfied. Also, no viruses or spyware to worry about. I use an external hard drive to store music files. It was easy to get up and running. I would recommend that you get the wireless Squeezebox. This way you can go wired or wireless for a small difference in cost. I've compared ripped files from EAC to iTunes and I cannot tell the difference. I did rip a couple of cd's using Easy CD/DA and couldn't tell the difference either.
Guy

I concur with this sentiment. If you are a relatively computer newbie, I recommend going with Mac and iTunes unless you have the willpower and patience to set up a PC correctly. I was a relative computer newbie when I set out to go with PC audio, and I can tell you about many frustrating moments. Even though now I have become a very avid PC audio user, I don't know if I would have gone with PC instead of Mac if I had known what kind of effort it would have taken to go the PC route.

iTunes does a good job copying CD's, and in Mac, it does not have the K-mixer problem that PC users struggle to get around in music playback.

One word of caution. There are reports that the brand new iTunes 7.0 no longer passes HDCD and DTS, which 'could' mean it is no longer bit-perfect. Unless it's proven otherwise, I would seek the earlier version of iTunes.

Ferdi · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 06:23 am »

Hi, I am also a Mac user and I am using the following for playback:

G4 Powerbook
LaCie external harddisk
Squeezebox 2 and 3, connected through wireless

iTunes may be good enough (still have to test for myself) but its priorities are with convenience and integration ITMS and iPods. Through another hint form Wayne, I recently found this:

http://sbooth.org/Max/

Max works very well for me, I have ripped another 50 CDs or so since last week.

Good luck!

Spirit · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 11:53 am »

Quote from: Ferdi on 19 Sep 2006, 06:23 am

Max works very well for me, I have ripped another 50 CDs or so since last week.

Good luck!

Is Max only valid with a Mac or can it be used on a PC?

Spirit · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 11:55 am »

Another question:
Opinion:
Is the SB the way to go, or is there a better product?
If the answer is the SB which model is best entry level model.
I know that Wayne at Bolder does mods, but I think I would start off with a stock
item and progress from there.
Opinions appreciated.

avta · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 02:19 pm »

Spirit:
I've only used the Squeezebox. I consider it a very unique product. Their web site www.slimdevices.com has lots of information about their products and a very good forum.
Guy

woodsyi · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 Sep 2006, 02:39 pm »

Hello Spirit,

I am of the opinion that you need a really kick ass two channel set up to hear the difference from a few USB/I2S transport/DAC (much more expensive) on the market for PC audio. Depending on your gear, SB2/3 modded may give you all you can hear at a very reasonable price. If you already have a PC, wired SB and Easy Extractor would be pretty simple to set up. Wireless network can sometimes be a PITA but it allows you to take the PC (and it's noise) out of the room.