Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems The Second of Many Music Server threads

Thanks, have placed an order for sonus, seems very cheap compared to most other HIFI kit, specially if you buy the two room package.

My dealer said that he didn't think it worked with itunes. Is this correct and do users have a preference for the lossless format and the software used. Sure this has been covered before so apologies.

Would like to rip to a lossless format that I can use with a large size iPod (realise limited space), this I can then link into the BMW iPod interface and the ferrari (F80 that is)via the impending iPod dock.

Also when you rip into lossless, is there a way of doing it into MP3 or similar at the same time for more general iPod use such as the gym. If not is there a conversion routine to take a lossless file and convert to MP3 or similar lossy format.

Presumably no one has found a way to get DVD-A onto a file server, still may favoured format.

thanks
David (server converted)

Agreed on Classical music

Personally, I use the many different Tags available within iTunes, e.g. Composer, Album Artist and Artist. When Ripping Classical and Opera, I will then overwrite the imported data with Composer, Artist and Album Artist data as I see appropriate or makes sense to me

I then use this data to create numerous different Playlists within iTunes, (Wagner, Verdi, or Verdi - Requiem). Sonos seamlessly imports these Playlists and they can be selected on the Sonos Controller

Definitely not perfect and requires some manual work after Ripping, but I find this Tagging along with Album and Song Rating to be VERY useful for selecting Music later. The one thing is that once it's done, there shouldn't be a need to repeat it (he said hopefully)

Sonos works perfectly with iTunes and imports seamlessly any updates within iTunes on a daily (or more frequent basis)

I also use the Apple Lossless tracks on an iTouch 16Gb and 60Gb iPod. I can get 40 hours of Music onto the 16Gb iTouch and 155 hours onto the 60Gb. Perfectly adequate for my uses, having come from an old Sony Walkman Pro with cassettes!!!

You can also convert Lossless to MP3, and store the Tracks in BOTH formats for different uses

Sure. But this is a real impediment for the lazy among us. It is a major reason, among others, that it is unlikely that I will ever rip my collection.

Kal

RHurley

Can you briefly outline the process you use to convert from Lossless to lossy, is it within Itunes?

thanks

David

Exactly. And because I'm also lazy, I'm willing to spend months programming an interface to save me the trouble

The other alternative is to throw money at the problem. See this link for an example of how a digital library can make your music collection far more accessible:

http://www.fortunaclassical.com/5%2D3%2D06/maestro/interface.cfm

Click on the various links (Search, Compare, etc) for demos.

I've never seen the Sooloos server, but my understanding is that it's "focus" capability works very similarly. Unfortunately, their web site is nearly free of actual information, so don't look there for enlightenment.

dBpoweramp Converter here:

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/

Costs about �20 and does the job well. I converted my entire Apple lossless library to produce a new MP3 archive for Mrs M and her iPod nano.

Cheers

George

you can also use ITunes to convert Lossless to MP3.

Just point itunes at your Lossless folders and store the MP3's in a different location

Windows Media Player will do the same with WMA Lossless to MP3

Thanks, looks a good program at a good price, have ordered a registered copy. Do you use it for ripping as well as conversion? Do you also have a prefered lossless format that is iPod compatable?

thanks

David

The only lossless format that is compatible with iPod is Apple Lossless, AFAIK.

David:

I rip my CDs with iTunes. I noted a few thoughts on the pros and cons of iTunes and the alternatives in this thread:

https://www.meridianunplugged.com/u...an&topic=0&Search=true#Post70986

Scott: Yup, you're right...ALAC is your lot! (okay, you can use open source firmware on an iPod to enable the use of FLAC files, but it looked a real faff and you lose the elegant simplicity of everything)

Ron: I couldn't get that to work at the time, can't remember why. Could have saved �20 and bought another 4 CDs if I had!

Cheers

George

Neither solution appeals.

I have one on loan for review now and it is, indeed, a high quality device and works pretty much as promised. The above issue remains.

Kal