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Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer.

142.254.47.140

Posted on May 6, 2017 at 14:04:54
Posts: 270
Location: Seatle, Wa. USA
Joined: September 19, 2007
OK.. here's the scenario.
Up until now I've been listening to my high end headphone system via a cd player, connected to a very good headphone amp.
I'm living away from home right now so I've been borrowing cd's from the local library that has a huge collection, and I would like to be able to download many of those cd's onto a computer to be able to have them permanently and for the simplicity of it. Unfortunately my computer is a Chromebook which has no capacity for storing and playing back cd's.
So... I don't really want to buy another computer, though I will if I have to, and am wondering if there is a kind of item that is used only to record and playback cd's? Probably there isn't. But can anyone recommend to me a fairly inexpensive option for my needs? Of course, sonic quality is of the utmost importance. Many thanks in advance......

 

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Does it have USB ports? (NT), posted on May 6, 2017 at 15:18:24
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 12430
Location: New York
Joined: June 5, 2002



 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 6, 2017 at 15:45:53
You cannot legally copy CDs that you borrowed from the library. If you don't have an issue with the legal aspect there are far easier ways of getting free music these days.

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 6, 2017 at 18:53:46
PAR
As others have pointed out, what you intend to do is illegal.

Having made that point how to rip, store and play back music from a computer is explained here:

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 6, 2017 at 21:10:21
Posts: 270
Location: Seatle, Wa. USA
Joined: September 19, 2007
Yeah.. the illegal issue does bother me, having been a musician myself.
Maybe I'll just download my own cd's onto a computer.

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 6, 2017 at 22:29:52
Long story short. You either need to get a real computer or at least install a real OS like Windows to make it possible software wise. You would also need a USB CD ROM drive to make it possible hardware wise. After you have done all that, just get Exact Audio Copy.










 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 7, 2017 at 05:57:15
PAR
As well as setting up up full PC/Mac/DAC system there are all-in-one devices available that may offer the right solution for you. I don't know what budget you have but the link is to the kind of thing I am thinking of. There may be American equivalents or this device may be available in the US. It is sold through Amazon UK here so perhaps Amazon US has it (or an alternative).

Just an idea for another type of solution to your needs.

Noting Jaydacus' comments it looks as if a Chromebook may not be suitable so some expenditure seems inevitable.

 

RE: Does it have USB ports? (NT), posted on May 7, 2017 at 09:46:08
Posts: 270
Location: Seatle, Wa. USA
Joined: September 19, 2007
yes

 

Then you rip (not download) CDs illegally., posted on May 7, 2017 at 11:18:56
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 12430
Location: New York
Joined: June 5, 2002
Get a USB-CD drive and USB flash drives to play/rip the discs onto the flash drives. It's only legal if you own the CDs.

 

RE: Then you rip (not download) CDs illegally., posted on May 8, 2017 at 17:13:35
Posts: 270
Location: Seatle, Wa. USA
Joined: September 19, 2007
Good link...thanks.
Another question... assuming I'll play back through an outboard DAC and amplifier, are there any differences in the quality of reproduction that downloaded cd's will have with different computers?

 

RE: Then you rip (not download) CDs illegally., posted on May 8, 2017 at 17:24:08
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 12430
Location: New York
Joined: June 5, 2002
I doubt it but I have no experience at all with ChromeBooks. Also, you will need some music player software and some way to connect the ChromeBook to the DAC.

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 9, 2017 at 13:58:10
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2362
Joined: September 27, 2004
If you have CDs to rip to a NAS, best to get a ripping NAS such as RipNAS, so you don't need to involve a PC in the process. These devices include all the best software and disc transport to ensure you get 100% accurate rips with artwork etc. Rip to FLAC for best metadata (rather then WAV) and possibly MP3 as well if you want to have it on your mobile / car too. These have mirrored hard drives so you have a degree of security if one drive fails, but do a periodic backup too. My 2 x 500 GB drives are not far short of full and store abut 1500 CDs in FLAC and about half of them in MP3 too.

Remember that streaming services don't allow you to download, but you don't need to if you have their music on tap 24/7. However Tidal does offer some music in higher than CD quality which you can buy to download on a CD by CD basis.

Peter

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 9, 2017 at 19:00:03
tunenut
Audiophile

Posts: 9159
Joined: July 18, 2000
Here is something you should know. If you use windows you will use eac. This program has a significant amount of configuration to do perfect rips. Make sure you set it up right. See link.

Macs use xld which has similar setup requirements.

 

unauthorized is not "illegal" , posted on May 10, 2017 at 09:26:12
Sordidman
Audiophile

Posts: 13665
Location: San Francisco
Joined: May 14, 2001
What's more illegal, is artist exploitation.


"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"

 

RE: unauthorized is not "illegal" , posted on May 10, 2017 at 09:43:42
merlinus
Audiophile

Posts: 244
Location: Northern New Mexico
Joined: June 24, 2008
Yes!!!! But unfortunately the ongoing exploitation of artists is NOT illegal.

 

Big +1 -t, posted on May 10, 2017 at 12:23:32
Sordidman
Audiophile

Posts: 13665
Location: San Francisco
Joined: May 14, 2001
b


"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"

 

RE: Really basic question about downloading cds onto computer. , posted on May 13, 2017 at 05:05:32
Doublej
Audiophile

Posts: 673
Location: Boston
Joined: January 11, 2009
Why bother?

For less than one cup of Starbucks per month you can get a Concert Vault membership. Or get a Spotify premium membership.

Both will keep your ears busy for a loooooooooong time.

 

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