jcorp

Ripping good build, Mr. Connaker! In the ripping enabled mode you alluded to in this latest C.A.P.S article, this seems like just the device for those of us who have no Windows PC, but would like to follow your rational ripping methodologies. How would we configure such a device/OS to put it into an efficient daily routine of ripping (unattended?), library management, and critical listening? I'll go ahead and assume the addition of a Nimbie type device for efficient processing of CDs, possibly an external Blu-ray drive for the occasional Blu-ray/DVD-A/DVD audio extraction, and a monitor (or maybe just an iPhone?). Pros/Cons/Ideas?

Ayre Acoustics DX-5 "Universal A/V Engine": $9950 Cary Audio Design Classic CD 303T SACD Professional Version:

Starting from scratch... was gonna buy a laptop Windows 7 PC and a Synology DS411slim NAS, rip 3000 CDs, rip 8000+ individual tracks from other CDs, download 1000+ FLAC files from various record companies, This was when I was gonna make a C.A.P.S v2.0 server.<br /> <br /> After reading the review, I'd like to get an iPad, an Aurender S10 (w/3TB storage), and use my PowerBook G4 running XLD and Carbon Copy Cloner with a 3TB external HD, for ripping instead. I'd wait to buy or borrow a PC until I felt the need to rip Blu-ray discs. <br /> <br /> The iPad based GUI of the S10 has me sold. But... How well does the Aurender S10 handle one or two tracks ripped from an typical CD? The video of Chris flipping through his library seems to show entire CDs have been ripped. Can I rip CDs from a Mac and Blu-rays from a PC onto the drive to be cloned?<br /> <br /> Does this plan seem workable? Pros/Cons?

An audiophile laptop was announced at CES, the ASUS NX90. Might Chris be reviewing one soon? Apple's built-in laptop speakers take all that is musical out of the music, so when I want to let someone hear some of the music on my laptop, I give them my Grado headphones, and I just nod along to the beats that leak through. It would be nice to be able to turn folks on to the music on my laptop without having to nod along to near-silence while they are wearing my headphones. ASUS claims to have the remedy for lackluster laptop audio. In addition to better amplification, speakers and speaker placement than a typical laptop, it claims an improved audio codec and design/tuning by Bang & Olufsen. The NX90 could be to audio what Lenovo's W701 is to photos. The NX90's dual touchpads seem like an odd addition (unless some killer app requires dual touchpads, I'd rather see one multi-touch pad, a Wacom-type mini-tablet, and built-in color calibration ala the W701). Unfortunately, the Lenovo's built-in speakers don't seem to do much for music. It seems like the NX90 would be of interest to CA readers as a music ripping/downloading, on-the-go listening/sharing platform. How do you let friends hear your music? Joe - Boulder, CO