Same old question again - which media player for mac?
Posted by: Jonas Olofsson on 30 May 2011
Im sorry for asking same question again but I really trying to wrap my head around this question once and for all....
I have searched the Forum but cant fint the tread I look for so I ask it again:
What media/music player do you find is best for converting files from iTunes (on a Mac) to some format that is supported by Naim NDX?
I have passive followed threads about this subject for months now but now I have to make up my mind, any input is welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
//jonas
Posted on: 30 May 2011 by Rich27
What format are you currently using, NDX fully supports AIFF?
Posted on: 30 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
To my understanding, Apple Loseless. If I understood correct that wont work/its no the prefered format?
Posted on: 30 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
After searching like a manic, I might have found it: Could Fidelia be the answer to my question?
I feel like Im 12 years again, understanding nothing about hi fi....strange how this computer stuff made me loose the understanding to such degree...may be its just me...
Sorry for the ramble....
//jonas
Posted on: 30 May 2011 by Rich27
Jonas,
If your files are all in Apple Lossless then iTunes can automatically convert the files to aiff. If you highlight the files then right click an option menu will pop up with convert files to aiff. Simple solution.
Posted on: 30 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
So nothing new is needed then?
Would it be better in some way to use for an example, Fidelia or EyeConnect?
//Jonas
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by garyi
No.
If all you want to do is convert them then set import in iTunes prefs to aiff, then in the library select everything right click and convert.
After set the view of the library to kind then all the old files will be grouped for deletion.
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by mutterback
You can also use Max to rip and transform files from/to most any format:
http://sbooth.org/Max/
From their site: "Once the audio is extracted, Max can generate audio in over 20 compressed and uncompressed formats including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE.
If you would like to convert your audio from one format to another, Max can read and write audio files in over 20 compressed and uncompressed formats at almost all sample rates and and in most sample sizes. For many popular formats the artist and album metadata is transferred seamlessly between the old and new files. Max can even split a single audio file into multiple tracks using a cue sheet."
It's free.
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
Thx!
This was exactly what I needed.
//Jonas
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by mutterback
Glad to be helpful. There's a long discussion about the "what format to use," in general, here:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/forum Although that recommendation might not be helpful ;-0 as it complicates the issue.
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
This starts to be silly...I cant find a way to change from Apple Loseless. I can highlite all tracks, but the only option when I right click I have is to change to...Apple Loseless!
Crazy!
Any ideas?
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
After trying "One last time"...I understod what I did wrong! Files now being converted...
I think Im starting to learn, slow like hell but still learning...
//Jonas
Posted on: 31 May 2011 by garyi
Once they are converted i recommend backing the lossless files up somehwere prior to deletion, the amount of times i have thought i would not need certain formats to find later i did is not funny
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
When changing from Apple Loseless to another format for the files I run out of hard disc capacity on my iMac. So now Im forced to do some change anyhow.
Options seems to be Mini Mac or NAS. I like the idea of having a MM but I cant have a screen, can I operate it from an iPad?
Or is a NAS cheaper and doing the jobb better?
NDX will do the (ethernet connected) streaming into the amplifier.
//Jonas
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Rich27
For use with the NDX a NAS will do the job better and cheaper than a Mac Mini, also you will get much more storage in a NAS. I use synology others have good experience with others such as Qnap, Netgear etc. each have their advantages and disadvantages. A Synology DS211j with two 2tb drives will set you back about £275 and is relatively straightforward to set up.
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
Thx, that is what I will go for.
Is it so simple that I just drag & drop the iTunes map to the NAS I installed it?
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jack
Jonas,
You need to decide what UPnP server you are planning to use with the NDX before you run off to purchase additional equipment. You question was very much about ripping and conversion. The functionality and ease of integartion with the NDX will very much depend on the UPnP server I suspect.
Have you given this any thought?
Jack
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by garyi
Jonus.
Get a qnap nas.
They are very good. It has upnp built in and an itunes server built in. Ths means you just stick your music on it and itunes sees it. Any itunes will.
I recommend qnap because i use them. I do not recomend drobo because i have used them also
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jack
Garyi,
I also own a QNAP and very much like it as a NAS, however, I'm not convinced about Twonky as the UPnP server to deploy with NDX (i assume this is what you were referring to?). Maybe Jonas should be asking Naim for a recommended non-Naim UPnP solution?
Perhaps other NDX users could comment on their UPnP experiences?
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
@ Jack: I was silly enough to belive it wasent so complicated and to be honest, Im surpriced that you have to have a master degree in computing just to be able to use your stuff...
Ive been running a Logitech Transporter for some years. Always working, easy to install but at the end of the day, good but not great.
@ Gari: that solution appeals to me for the simplicity. Maybe that will be a good start and if its not to pricey I can always proceed later to the "ultimate" storage solution.
I have had my eyes on the uServe but dont really understand how/if it also can handle down loads and if I can import/export music to my iPhone which is very important because I use the iPhone as my music source in the car (Bluetooth --> Mark Levison stereo).
Tried to read about the uServe at Naims site yesterday but cant say that my questions got any answers.
//Jonas
Posted on: 02 June 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
Gari, is it the QNAP TS 219 that you suggest?
//Jonas
Posted on: 05 June 2011 by Jonas Olofsson
The show goes on...after fighting 3 days with two different QNAP I start to get bored. IMac cant find QNAP for some strange reason.
I guess next step is to bring a computer specialist to the house, man what this is frustrating...
