[drewfidelity]

Hello Everyone,

I purchased an Imac for the family and am now ready to make the next logical step, should have done this a while back, and download my 1000 CD Collection via ITunes Lossless and purchase music without the actual disks from this point forward. 

I have two different ways that I can do this and my first question is if it will make a difference if I go one way or the other.  Here are my set up options. 

1.  Load the CDs onto the Imac via ITunes which is located on the main floor of the house and stream files to an Apple Express Router connected via optical cable to a DAC which will be located downstairs in the basement where my audio system is located.  Distance will be around 50 feet with one flight of stairs.

2.  Load the CDs onto my PC which is located on the same floor, about 15 feet away, as my audio system via ITunes and stream files to an Apple Express Router which will be connected via optical cable to the digital input of a DAC.  I would use an external hard drive, any suggestions would be appreciated, to store the music files.

My next question is this:  Is Apple LossLess the best way to ensure that redbook CD are downloaded without being compressed or limited in any way?

My last question has to do with my proposed setup.  The person at the Apple Store pushed me away from getting an Apple TV and instead going with the Airport Express.  Is one better than the other for the application that I am looking to achieve?

I would appreciate any insight into this.  Thank you in advance. 

[srb]

Your question pulls at me from both sides, so I'll first make some observations:
 
1. Some feel that iTunes playback on the Mac has a very slight sonic advantage over iTunes playback on the Windows platform.  Also if you were to later invest in a high-end iTunes compatible software player like Amarra, it is available for Mac only.
 
2. Using an additional separate hard drive for storage of streaming audio files has an advantage over using a single hard drive for both operating system and media storage duties.
 
3. Wireless networking has better signal strength over shorter distances than longer distances and less chance of interference.
 
4. If you are not streaming photos and videos as well, I see no advantage in using the Apple TV over the Airport Express.  Both have the same range and digital optical output.
 
5. Apple Lossless (ALAC) is compressed, like a zipfile, but without any loss.  AIFF is the raw uncompressed native audio format for the Apple platform just like WAV is for the Windows platform.  However, to my knowledge, AirTunes would convert AIFF to ALAC for wireless transmission to Airport Express anyway.  ALAC also uses around 65% of the storage space required for AIFF. (Probably not a real concern with cheap storage these days, unless you go for a desireable SSD drive, but that won't happen for awhile as you will probably need around 400GB for your 1000 CDs)
 
With all that being said, if it were me, I would go with the iMac, even though I would be going 3 times the wireless distance.  I would rip the CDs in Apple Lossless, with error correction enabled, to an external FireWire drive connected to the iMac for music storage.
 
If for some reason the 50 ft. versus 15 ft. distance was a problem (it also depends on floor and wall materials and density as well) a second Airport Express could also be used as a wireless range extender.
 
You will of course get some varying opinions on this topic, and you can make a decision based on whether these observations meet with a lot of consensus or are vehemently refuted!
 
Good Luck!
 
Steve

[TONEPUB]

How do you plan on buying music "without the actual disks from this point on?"...

[JohnR]

Jeff, I would assume he means buying downloadable content - ?

To the OP: how would you control iTunes (start/stop etc) in your scenario 1? Personally I would be inclined to get another iMac for the basement and ditch the PC. Your situation sounds a little bit similar to mine - for my part I ran an Ethernet cable from upstairs to downstairs and the plan (not yet done) is to use a 5m USB cable from the downstairs mac to the DAC - this is supposed to be about the limit for USB.

[drewfidelity]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your response.  Excellent observations and great advice. 

1.  I also had read on the various sites that there may be a slight advantage using the IMac instead of the Windows platform.  The fact that the future may see a high end software player makes compatibility issues lean toward the IMac as well.

2.  The separate external hard drive, in light of the rather low prices on these accessories, will be used no matter which platform I choose.

3.  This is the only issue that may be a determing factor in my decision.  I have been told that the Airport Express is a very very powerful router so if that is the case...

4.  That is exactly what the Apple Store guy said.  If I were streaming video it would be a different story.

5.  Thank you for the clarity.  This is a new language for me and I appreciate the information. 

I am leaning toward exactly what you would do.  That is what I initially thought would be the case.  The difference would be that I would use an additional external hard drive for music storage and possibly add another Airport Express if that is necessary. 

[drewfidelity]

Hi Jeff,

I plan on mainly purchasing music via downloads from various sources. I will also continue to purchase some CDs as I spend hours in the car all day and still love to go to the independent record stores, I am 45 and that was how we always purchased music, on Tuesdays to see what has come out.  My kids listen to mainstream crap and they will also be purchasing downloads that we call can play on the audio system.  The hope is that they will appreciate a high end playback system and we all can be miserable together in this nightmare hobby. 

[drewfidelity]

Hi John,

I will control ITunes via an ITouch as a remote.  The ITouch has what I am to understand to be a great tool to use in this scenario in its downloadable remote function.  This will allow me not to have to purchase a Mac for the downstairs room.  The IMac in the living room upstairs is a family computer that will allow my kids to use the same platform that they are using in school while letting my wife and I use it for both professional and personal applications. 

[srb]

I am leaning toward exactly what you would do.  That is what I initially thought would be the case.  The difference would be that I would use an additional external hard drive for music storage and possibly add another Airport Express if that is necessary.

Drew,
 
A USB hard drive would work as well, but since the USB is a serial bus with a number of devices usually connected to it (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) there can sometimes be an occasional fraction of a second interruption, which in the context of the above mentioned peripherals means nothing, but you certainly don't want a hiccup in your music playback, no matter how brief.  That is why I recommended a FireWire drive which the Mac has a port for, even though they cost a few bucks more than a USB drive.
 
The purchase of an Airport Express right away would let you know what you're dealing with for your wireless transmission scenario.  Just rip a test CD or two, and check it out.
 
I don't have an iTouch yet, but plan to get one.  Since my music server is in my living room with my stereo/HT system, it is hardwired to my DAC, but I do have two Airport Express, one for the Master Bedroom and one for the Patio.
 
Steve
 
 

[Stu Pitt]

My last question has to do with my proposed setup.  The person at the Apple Store pushed me away from getting an Apple TV and instead going with the Airport Express.  Is one better than the other for the application that I am looking to achieve?

If you're not going to synch the Apple TV and use its hard drive, the Airport Express makes more sense.

I went with an Apple TV.  I use its hard drive rather than streaming.  No drop outs and the computer doesn't need to be on.