smoggy

I'm about to start ripping my CD collection and want to make sure I get it right first time (1600+ CD's). However, as part of my preparation I carried out a cache analysis of my optical drive (LaCie D2) using XLD and received the following log report:- "X Lossless Decoder version 20120908 (141.1) XLD drive cache analysis logfile Used drive : Optiarc DVD RW AD-7261S (revision 1.03) Your drive seems to have a cache of 17 sectors (39 Kbytes). The cache size is small enough for cdparanoia III 10.2 engine, but backseeking doesn't seem to work for flushing cache. Please be careful with this drive End of status report" Can anyone tell me what this means in layman's terms and whether I should be looking for another optical drive. I'll be using XLD secure ripper not cdparanoia FWIW Thanks

As someone new to computer based music I'm planning to buy a headphone rig. Which would you choose between the Furutech ADL GT40 DAC/HPA combo and the Graham Slee Novo HPA with the HRT Music Streamer II? Any other suggestions around £400? I'm unable to audition these items locally so would appreciate your thoughts.

Eloise, Thanks for that. OK so thats the simplest method and seems straight forward enough. My follow up question is what might the best method be for my situation. My router is in the upstairs room. Once I have my music ripped I'll have well over 1gb of files which I would like to be able to play on either computer using iTunes and maybe Pure Music. Would there be any benefit in adding a NAS to the network? Is there any way to enable different music to be played in each listening area at the same time? Thanks in anticipation

Hi, I'm a newcomer to computer audiophilia. I discovered this site a few weeks ago and have been reading it avidly since and learning a great deal so thanks Chris. My query is as follows:- I wish to set up a network so that I can listen to my iTunes library in two separate rooms but I don't wish to go down the wireless route. I'm shortly about to have some redecorating work done and I would like to take the opportunity to have a wired network installed. What I would like at this stage is some very basic information about how best to set up such a network for the following situation My cable internet connection is in an upstairs room where my current PC will soon be replaced by a 27" iMac which will form the basis of the upstairs music system. Downstairs in my main listening room I intend to have a system based around a Mac Mini. I know my question is somewhat simplistic but its just basic information I'm after to start to get a handle on whats needed. I have to start somewhere and up to now I havn't been able to find the info I need to get me up and running (crawling!!). Thanks in anticipation