I just purchased a MAC iBook Pro. If I wanted to migrate to a server type playback system, what are the steps? I would like to place all my current CD's and SACD's on the server as well as be able to download high res stuff
Ripping is critical. The best ripper I have found is DBpoweramp on a PC. I rip using a Teac USB drive and then transport the .wave files to the Mac. You lose tagging, but the quality is the best.
If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of quality, then rip to AIFF using iTunes. This will maintain the tags.
Once everything is ripped, you will need a good D/A and some type of converter, USB, WiFi or Firewire. Sometimes these are built-into the DAC, but this generally sacrifices some quality.
Playback should be iTunes combined with Amarra or Pure Vinyl playback software.
If cost is no object, then I recommend the Pace-Car USB with Ultraclocks driving a Overdrive DAC using I2S interface cable and then XLR cables driving your amps directly. Several customers have told me that this beats their megabuck vinyl setups.
Steve N.