iTunes

[Simon Evans]

Apologies if this has been asked before.

All my CDs are already ripped to iTunes and then copied to my ipods.  It would be much quicker to use the ripped files to populate my B2 but I am not sure this is ether advisable or possible.  I have a feeling that the files iTunes produce are not lossless but I may be wrong.

Anyone have any experience of this?

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi culverevansb...

You are obviously a new B2 user (welcome to the forum)  

I am afraid that people have found difficulties in getting their music off ITunes, it is VERY Apple proprietor and as you say probably lossy in its compression. I am not saying it is impossible though!

Honestly if you have the CDs, I know it is a lot of work but you are better just to start again using the Brennan B2 which is lossless (WAV & FLAC).

As you are new to the Brennan B2 world :)  here is some basic guidance 

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The B2 is a "robust" device and due to the use of the internal Raspberry Pi and Brennan's software development model, the functionality provided by the Unit has up to now just got better and better with time (i.e not obsolete).

A few basic rules

1) "Scan Disk" regularly (when you have made any changes to your music collection especially after doing something to it over a NAS connection)

2) Keep an eye on the software releases (https://www.brennan.co.uk/itemcontent.php/content/latestSoftware) and "Web Upgrade" to get them.

3) before powering off the unit press and hold the front "Stop/Play" button until SAVING appears - after it goes back to the clock it is safe to power off.

4) allow air to flow round the unit freely.

5) Do NOT make the unit do more than one thing at once. eg if you are ripping, rip but don't listen to music from it at the same time (it will do this but it is best not to - down that path be dragons!!)

Your CD load plans are OK but you could go up to 20 CDs at a time (remember to "Scan Disk" and SAVE after each batch then set it to "Compress Now") 

I add in an extra step - I do a backup (NOTE use the "Export" function for this) after about 60 CDs. "Exports" are incremental!

All storage devices for use on the Brennan MUST be FAT32 format - Use the Brennan to do this formatting.

The power availability on the Units USB ports is limited (a consideration when attaching external HDD or CD readers) - consider powered devices or the use of a powered USB hub/port extender.

Some people say an external CD drive is better (faster) to use than the internal one, however I have loaded ALL my CD collection just using the Brennan's CD reader with no problems.

Ensure that you have the best possible connection of your Brennan Unit to your router (Ethernet cable is best if this is possible) but if not possible WiFi strength DOES matter.

A really good WiFi connection is helpful, and also aids use with other devices through NAS or DNLA if you want to go that route. 

Many contributors here I recommend this little dongle with adjustable antenna in place of the supplied one if you find you have a poor signal strength -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08D99YLC9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1kageId=1&returnSummaryId=&returnUnitIndices=&returnUnitMappingId=&shipmentId=DJ7VB8Vrr

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Fred

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Regarding iTunes experiences, look at this thread

https://groups.google.com/g/brennanb2/c/C8_JCklMe2E

[Simon Evans]

Fred, that is all very helpful.

I did have a problem with my wifi signal to start with.  It was enough to get the B2 connected up and software upgraded, but not for the database to work or internet radio.  Following similar advice to yours, I fitted a larger antenna and that made all the difference.

I think I will rip my CDs again despite the time it will take.  I might try using an external CD drive as I believe that speeds things up and avoids wear on the internal drive.  Unfortunately I cannot apparently use the Apple Superdrive I already have.

I will make sure I follow all your good advice.

Simon