On 04/07/2010 06:39, Gordon MacPherson wrote:
Hi,

Hit in the face by the Brennan JB7 ad in Radio Times, I would like advice
about electronic CD storage. I play CDs via a Cambridge Audio D500 player, a
NAD C326 BEE amp and Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, and listen mainly to
classical music. The amp is also fed from a Sony Bravia TV, and I have a
Dell PC hooked up to work via the TV (including sound) by a non-VGA link
(HDMI?).



I do find playing my CDs inhibited by the labour of getting them out of a
cupboard etc etc and am starting to think about storage, either on the
computer or on an external device such as the JB7.


I've noticed they're marketing the JB7 on this 'labour saving' ticket.
Know their market :-)


I would be grateful for advice:

1.. Does such storage result in significant loss of audio quality?

On the JB7 or any such thing, if you choose lossless, IMO: no. As a rule
of thumb, think 1CD per GB. At higher rates of compression you can fit
more CDs, and some claim to notice a drop in quality - for 10X the
storage. I would use lossless.


2.. I have ripped CDs for my MP3 player using the built-in Windows program
but are there better rippers available?

Possibly - some claim qualitative and quantitative advantages of various
methods. I'm what I'd consider to be relatively neurotic and I just use
iTunes and lossless. A key advantage of using a programme of this kind
is that your tracks will be 'tagged' - contain information that makes
them easier to find.

3.. Are there alternatives to the JB7 that have advantages?

I'd start by using your PC as a music server, and see if the idea
appeals. Personally I'd use an iPod Touch and iTunes if you have a
wireless network - the interface is sublime.

This also opens up options on the digital-analogue conversion stage -
the PC can connect direct to your amp, or you can add a DAC - extra cost
but some report benefits. With the Brennan your stuck with built in
conversion, and I have read isolated reports of audio background noise,
and mechanical noise - not sure how widespread. The few reviews I've
read report good sound quality.

I use a Mac Mini to do the same thing - and more - except the display of
course, which I get from the TV if I need it, or use an iPod touch or
iPhone. Not that I use it that much any more for music (better at video)
- rather put a record on ;-)

4.. Any other advice/comments?


The JB7 is expensive, relies on an accurate external database, and for
all its simplicity I'd find that interface too restrictive. It's a neat
thing though.

Rob