Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #50 – 2006-06-28 18:38:26

Can FLAC do error-correction?

If not, then maybe, juuust maybe, use software like QuickPar to make Solomon-Reed error-correction goodness.

Can't be too safe...

Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #51 – 2006-06-28 19:09:26

I´m a long time traveler myself and recently ripped the better part of my CDs to lame -v2 for compabilty reasons. After upgrading my equipment with yet another DIY portable amp and some more intense listening I stumbled over lames apparent problems with cymbals of all kinds [80% of my CDs = acoustic jazz] and so it´s ogg vorbis -q6 [lancer] now, for the rest of my discs and into the future. Amen.
99% of the time I can´t tell a difference on my home rig [Sony ES + Accuphase + Senn HD650].

Karsten

Main traveling gear: modded iriver H140 > DIY amp > Shure E4

Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #52 – 2006-06-28 22:29:54

To give a perspective on the Single Wavpack Image File + embedded cuesheet and eac log on DVD.

53 Albums, 17.0gb, 4 DVDs, average 13.25 albums per DVD.

2000 / 13.25 = 150.9~ Discs

A little setup info for EAC:

100% Accurate Rip with EAC: Link


WavPack Setup for External encoding:

1. Download the WavPack.exe from WavPack.com or Rarewares
2. Put it in some folder on your Harddrive or desktop.
3. Set up the external encoder like so under Compression Options>External Encoder


Also have Sir Georg Solti and the Vienna Philharmonic, complete Ring Cycle...though thats Wagner not Beethoven. heh

- Gow

Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #53 – 2006-06-29 04:47:03

Thanks everyone, this thread has been extremely helpful. I haven't set my mind on any approach yet. I'll have to figure it out as I go along. I guess I attempt encoding lossless using Gow's suggestion (any objections or better ideas for a newbie?), so I can save some space.

I decided to RMA (return) my 500GB WD drive for 2 Seagate 320GB 7200.10 (perpendicular recording, 5 yr warranty, great reviews all over the Internet, $110+free shipping right now). I'll most likely have to buy another one, but couldn't quite get myself to spend another $110...thinking of what fun things I could spend $300 on instead of HDs. Ugh.

Btw, if you ever want to RMA at NewEgg, make sure you call. I was able to negotiate a $25 store credit that basically cancelled out the $30 (15%) restocking fee.

Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #54 – 2006-06-29 07:06:58

I've read every post and based on the fact that you don't want to pack a bunch of CDs or burned DVDs, I'd encode your stuff using Lame 3.97b2 --vbr-new -V 2 (or -V 1 if you think you'll be able to tell the difference).

By all means save the stuff you really like as lossless but I would recommend Monkey's Audio set to High as it consistently creates the smallest files, hands-down.  MAC is CPU-intensive so you should take this into consideration.

Whichever codec you choose, make sure you verify the output.  If you aren't going to do too many maybe go with flac since the 5+% bloat won't make a big difference.  The great thing about flac is that it can verify while encoding which is a real time saver.  Perhaps WavPack has this option too, but with Monkey's Audio verification can only be done after the compression has finished. 

It's pretty easy to configure EAC with an external compressor but you might find it easier just to rip to wave and use a separate GUI.  The newest one that comes with Monkey's Audio is pretty damn good, especially if you have an HT or dual processor.

I can get as geeky as the rest of 'em with snazzy command lines and custom batch files, but considering how many titles you have your time would be better spent ripping and encoding than troubleshooting.

Finally, make sure you have your stuff backed up to a second location 'cause your drives will eventually fail (which is even more reason to settle for lossy).

Converting entire CD collection to lossy - opinions?

Reply #55 – 2006-06-29 21:22:10

Also, check out REACT Link it can be set with any format you desire to do the images in PLUS be set to also encode a set to Lame VX (Where X is a Variable).  Two birds with one stone.

Better than my solution or the other JUST Lame it solution.

Test and see.

- Gow