TonyL wrote:

Comments and suggestions please ?


Thanks everybody.

Arny's suggestion was one I hadn't considered. Interesting but I would
prefer to be able to save directly from CD rather than having to transfer
MP3 files via a PC. On the subject of MP3...I imagine that I can hear a
difference between lossy compression and lossless or no compression even
with my older ears. So I would like a system that offers storage of both.
This suggests HD based storage for a reasonable number of wav/FLAC etc.
files.

Re-use of an old laptop appeals to me...pros...cost free using open source
library software under a Linux based OS. Cons..soundboard may introduce
sample rate or other artifacts as mentioned by Jim. Also my family share
usage of the sound system and want to simply switch on and instantly select
an album or even stick a CD into a slot and play it as per the existing
system.

So, I'm looking to a unit that can accept a physical CD for ripping from or
playing from, that boots up almost instantly. Has USB or Ethernet
connectivity for archiving/backup/loading MP3s

Thanks.

TonyL