Preparing to rip Cds to FLAC using EAC for a SONOS ??

[RustyZip]

Hello..

Im about to take the plunge and buy myself a Sonos setup for my lounge..

So having read several threads on here ive decided rip my music into FLAC using EAC software.

But im a bit vague and clueless on a points below - any help appreciated...


1> Is there a "proper" way to setup tags for the Sonos - if not, which would you recomend ??

2> I see Sonos displays album cover art on its display - is this incorporated automatically in the tags ready for the Sonos to display ??

3> Do i need to name my filenames in a certain way for the Sonos ??

4> How do i organise my files ?? One folder for each artist ? or how ?


Are there any other considerations i should think of using a FLAC / EAC / SONOS setup ??

Im a bit of newb when it come to digital stuff like this, and any help would be great...

Thanks,
Russell

[Autopilot]

1. No, there is no official proper way to tag, but there are recommended ways. Obvious the ALBUM tag should always contain the album name (i.e. "X&Y"), so browsing and searching works properly. Like wise with ARTIST, YEAR etc. The key is keep them simple and consistant throughout your collection. But you can add your own stuff to COMMENTS, LYRICS etc if you want. It will all become completely clear once you actually own and start using it.

2. No, you will need to find and embed the artwork yourself, EAC does not concern itself with such "trivial" matters. Fortunately it simple and there is software to help, The latest version of MP3tag will embed art into FLAC files.

3. No, not really. But its very sensible to have a consistent and logical system. I use TRACKNUMBER - ARTIST - TRACK NAME.FLAC, but it up to use. It helps when sorting my collection out. But the Sonos will use the tags to built its database.

4. Again, it's up to you. i use F:\CD Rips\Artist\Album\***.flac. EAC will make these and pop the right files in as you go, same with file names. You can set the structure you want in EAC's option menu under 'filename'.

further tips - Tags, file names and folder structures can be changed automatically without the need to re-rip, so dont panic to much. Make sure you use the latest versions of EAC & FLAC. Use the secure mode in EAC to get the best quality rips, especially from scratched CD's.

[Autopilot]

I'm going to write up some open guides soon, possibly make them sticky's or add the the FAQ. I think a tagging one is worth doing.

[happyhomer]

On point 2, for the Sonos to correctly display album art it must be in the same folder as the album to which it relates, and the image file must be called folder.jpg (or one of the other graphics formats supported by Sonos). There is an FAQ on the Sonos site that explains it all (look for the one entitled "I am missing album art...).

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by happyhomer

On point 2, for the Sonos to correctly display album art it must be in the same folder as the album to which it relates, and the image file must be called folder.jpg (or one of the other graphics formats supported by Sonos). There is an FAQ on the Sonos site that explains it all (look for the one entitled "I am missing album art...).

Yep, that seem's to be the industry standard for non-embedded artwork. The Squeezebox, my phone and a few software players in have work in the same way.

It's worth going to the trouble of embedding into the file though (but keep the folder.jpg in the folder). I'm not completely sure if the Sono's reads embedded FLAC'S yet (it's a relatively new feature in FLAC), the SB3 has i would think the Sono's must have.