XLD again

Ya, I've noticed that too. In the preferences [XLD menu / Preferences], there's a setting to keep the output files the same as the input, or specify a specific directory. But, I don't think this really solves your problem, as it still puts it in the "root" of this directory as you say.

Here's an issue ticket on XLD http://code.google.com/p/xld/issues/detail?id=46  You can specify the output path when you run it from the command line, and it seems add variables to create the folders, but that's what people are reporting isn't working. I haven't dug into it myself.

You could also try MAX.  Haven't tried it in awhile, but I believe that does create the folders.

FWIW, I have an old PC that I use to rip CDs using dbpoweramp, which is far and away the best ripping software I've used. Gives you great control over these types of issues.

+1

I tried XLD on my Macbook Pro but dbpoweramp works well great and makes excellent rips.  It is easy to define where you want files to go.

On the XLD preferences menu under File Naming use the custom settings as shown below:

The custom code:

/%A/%T/%n %t

means that when ripping, XLD will place the tracks into directories within your chosen folder using the convention Album Artist/Album Title/Track Number Track Title.

Just like so:

Obviously you can tweak the custom naming to create folders based on the metadata in any way you like.  This structure works for me and pretty much mirrors what iTunes does.

Brilliant. Thank you so much. 

But out of interest will the Naim streamer recognise, and sort, tracks per se regardless of the folder structure they're put in?