excitingsounds

What does everyone think of the 'create (AIFF, WAV, whatever) version' in the iTunes 'advanced' tab? Whenever I buy the typical AAC files from the iTunes store, I immediately create AIFF versions using this feature. The main question I have is how others' experiences have been. Do you think it's a high-enough-quality conversion? Can you think of a better way to do convert these (or any files)? Thanks for your help! -Joe

Recently I've been using iTunes via a 2TB external (so that I have basically 'unlimited' space), and I've been having my CDs rip directly to a folder on the drive. The metadata from Gracenote often sucks, seeing as how I'm picky about genre organizing and such. Problem is, I don't think the metadata in the iTunes window, when edited, is embedded into the actual file outside of the computer HD, and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a high-quality, reputable, and preferably open source metadata editor to handle this job instead. I would consider using a different ripping software, but I like the way iTunes is convenient, has an error correction option, etc, in other words, it works. Thanks for your help! -Joe

All I know is that, since upgrading to 10.5, my Amarra Junior has had no real problems. Hope that helps. There's an upgrade available for Amarra too, 2.2 to 2.3, and they said it was free for those registered, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do it from the site. Beats me how the 2.3 would be handled by iTunes now, or vice versa. Regardless I'm considering just upgrading to Mini or better anyway.

I've noticed that several of you guys use Audio Quest USB cables. How well do these perform? Are these top of the line? I'll probably need to get something like the AQ when I finally get the DAC. -Joe

The Proton looks pretty good to me, actually. Does it have any additional technological requirements, or is it just ready to go? What about the Furutech GT40? -Joe

Thanks to everyone so far for your recommendations. I'm entering all of these into a doc so that I can compare them against each other. Needless to say, the NuForce DAC is looking less special . -Joe

Let's say you have a DAC. What are the additive benefits of a headphone amp? Thanks, -Joe

Yeah, it's about $6. It's not out of the question, though. What do you mean about adding a DDC w/ async USB input?

Can anyone clarify the headphone amp vs DAC, like I said, I'm a newb . Thanks! -Joe

I briefly checked out what you recommend. I would prefer passing on the Chinese imports, but the Music Hall 25.3 looks pretty decent, not a bad deal either. Tam Audio and Pacific Valve both have good prices too. I wouldn't mind spending $1-3 if I'm sure that I'm getting a really good product, which is why I have the range set to $5 to begin with. It's gonna take a good amount more research, I definitely appreciate your recommendations, man. Thanks! -Joe

Pretty thorough review on that blog, thanks man. He's referring to the uDAC-2, whereas I'm talking a higher-end model; he doesn't know how the more expensive NuForce products measure up, and I definitely don't know . All of that needs consideration, but I gotta ask: what do you personally recommend? Thanks, -Joe

Thanks for the advice man. I'll definitely consider the DIY, and I believe it when you say it's pretty powerful. Not a bad deal either. -Joe

No worries man, ask away, that's what the forum is for .

Hi guys, This is my first post, but I've been browsing CA for a few months now. For the most part, I'm a beginner audiophile, and I've got (what I think is, at least) a pretty good beginner's setup. On my Macbook Pro's iTunes, I've got close to 400 albums (and growing) ripped from vinyl & CDs with about 99% of it in lossless formats (I prefer AIFF but some of it is ALAC as well). Also, I have BitPerfect running on there pretty much all the time. Then, for headphones, I own Sennheiser HD598's. My next step is to get a nice DAC. In light of the research I've done so far, I'm thinking along the lines of the NuForce Icon HDP. It'll be a little while before I can save up enough, but it's about in my price range (or $500, more or less). What do you guys think of this DAC? It's also a preamp (which I've heard would be better for ripping vinyl), plus the headphone amp would probably be an advantage for me too. Is there a better DAC that you can think of? Tell me your thoughts. Thanks, -Joe