Well, let's see. USB2 runs at 480 Mbits/s max. So if we think about how MP3 works, this would easily cover even a file ripped at 320: 320 means the file is ripped at 320 MB per second.
For WAV files, if we are playing audio at 44,100Hz and we have 16 bit audio and 2 channels (yer basic CD) we get:
(44100 * 16 * 2)/8 = 176400 Bytes Per Second
Now the differece, of course, between wav files and MP3 is that when you play an MP3 at 176, you are still playing data that has been compressed. Obviously there is not a lot similar between an MP3 at 176 and a WAV file.
For me, my favorite stuff is always ripped to wavs.
So you were talking a bit about audio extraction, and wanted a drive that has excellent audio extraction. I'm not sure what you mean, so fill me in there if you could!
Most all late-model hard drives will be able to handle what you want, so don't worry too much. Even if you are extracting directly to HD, you're still in the ball park with most drives as much of this will occur in memory, then written out once the data is formed...I'm pretty sure. The only machine I ever had trouble with for ripping was an old machine that had far too many tweaks set up, and seemed to have a conflict with MusicMatch and my CD drive for some reason. If you REALLY have trouble, rip directly to your desktop, then just copy stuff to your external drive.
My process for ripping my good stuff to wavs:
1. Use IsoBuster (free) to directly copy the wav files off the CD. Best app of its kind. My favorite (no, it's not mine...lol)
2. Rename files by hand. Boring? Yes.
I use this process only because I think too many apps don't get the whole idea of simply copying the wav files off of a CD. Gee, if anyone has an app that does it, PM me...I'd love to save time!
If you want MP3s of these for some reason, use the RiverPast audio converter or CoolEdit to convert them. Or...an app of your choice...
Again, try to work these on your desktop then copy them over. That will take the external hard drive speed out of the equation. Playback will be no problem.
For me, I bought a WesternDigital drive from Fry's/Outpost.com. The cost after rebate, (which DID come recently) was about $125 for a 200GB drive. I have 14,000 MP3s and 2000+ wav files, and still have not hit the half way point of the disc. This one:
http://shop2.outpost.com/category/Ou...terAreaString=
Let me know if I've significantly missed something here (Blonde Ale...Oy!)