[VicAjax]

well, i haven't called myself a newb in awhile, but i haven't attempted to set up computer audio to my stereo really, so i guess i qualify.

here's my plan:

• encode my CD collection as ALAC onto an external HD.
• run my external HD to my MacBook via USB 2.0.
• stream music from MacBook to AirPort Express via AirTunes.
• music from AirPort Express to DAC via mini optical.

this is my starter setup... i will tweak and enhance as i get more experience, cash and space... but will the above be ok to start?

also, would a portable, USB-powered HD be too underpowered or slow for this purpose if it's 5400rpm? do i need an HD with its own power source?

i just want something simple i can build on for now.

thanks in advance!

 

[Cerumenator]

I'm not streaming, but I have both a Western Digital powered external HD, and a portable, USB powered Western Digital external HD, and I see nor hear any difference between the two.

Actually, I have mostly video on the USB powered one, and there's no lag, artifact, glitch or whatever on WMV files. Works very, very well. Zero problems. It gets a lot of use, and is over 2 years old.

 

[VicAjax]

that's good to know, thanks.

how is your computer wired to your A/V system... through USB, analog or optical?

 

[mshan]

I doubt having the music files on a separate 5400 rpm notebook drive would make your music stutter.

What you might find is that iTunes just isn't quite as instantaneously snappy (vs internal hard drive) when switching from one track to another.

Might not really notice it, unless you are specifically paying attention for it, and you have a fast internal hard drive in something like an iMac as your reference point.

 

[cconnaker]

You are off to a nice start. This system will perform pretty good while at the same time leave a lot of room for improvement/upgrades

The USB hard drive will be no problem at all. I connect to a 5 TB NAS disk over wireless 802.11n and it works great.

I have Optical, FireWire, and USB DACs and thy can each produce really good sound. Some better than others though.

 

[grawk]

I use a mac mini and a duet, but yes, a portable hard drive would be fine. Audio isn't going to stress anything.

 

[VicAjax]

excellent. all good to know.

if i'm going to be running this all through a DAC, is there any reason for me to get a squeezebox if i'm not planning on listening to much internet radio?

also, if i close my MacBook laptop, will the music stop?

thanks in advance!

 

[Currawong]

Vic: Yes, your music will stop as the MacBook will go into sleep mode.

Listening to music at the moment, my MBP does about 100k/sec in data transfers, so the speed of your external wont make any difference.

If you haven't yet bought an external HD, preferably buy a good quality one that's Firewire from a Mac-specialists retailer, like Macsales.com or FWdepot.com. They tend to be better quality than run-of-the-mill USB external HDs.

 

[cconnaker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VicAjax /img/forum/go_quote.gif excellent. all good to know. if i'm going to be running this all through a DAC, is there any reason for me to get a squeezebox if i'm not planning on listening to much internet radio? also, if i close my MacBook laptop, will the music stop? thanks in advance!

You need an application called insomniax. It will allow you to close the laptop and still keep your music going. I use it and love it. Very easy to use as well.

 

[grawk]

you'll cook your drives if you do that.

 

[cconnaker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawk /img/forum/go_quote.gif you'll cook your drives if you do that.

I disagree. These laptops were made to operate with the lids closed when connected to an external monitor. When the lid closes the LCD display goes dark and the laptop actually operates cooler than using an external monitor because it is doing no graphics output to run a large monitor.

 

[Currawong]

It's worth noting that Apple no longer demonstrate any of their laptops operating with the lid closed in stores.

 

[VicAjax]

interesting program... i assume it can be disabled?

Can firewire drives draw power from the firewire, or do they need their own power supply? since i'm in a small nyc apt, i like the idea of using a portable drive that is juiced straight from the computer.

what makes of external HD are people using? the ones at macsales.com look interesting, but i'm not terribly familiar with the brands.

 

[grawk]

Firewire drives based on 2.5" laptop drives can easily be powered by firewire. Server drives not so much.

 

[VicAjax]

last question, i think... is it easy to tell itunes to put its library on the external drive?