Resending to list -- apparently all the quotes of previous messages put the
message over 30k and it bounced.
OK, loads of questions.
1. I use VLC, which can play any format worth playing, and do things like
play 24bit/96khz WAV files at their native resolution.
2. Converting CD to FLAC --
http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/ In general I rip
with ITunes to Apple Lossless format. VLC can also play Apple Lossless.
3. @Connor, the Schitt brand is highly regarded. I'd consider a USB audio
interface, as laptop audio can be noisy. You could stay with Schitt
http://schiit.com/products/modi-2 or consider other options. I recommend
the Native Instruments audio interfaces -- great sound, incredible build
quality. The NI Traktor Audio 2 has 2 pairs of outputs, making it useful
for DJing.
http://amzn.to/1I0L0tD Like the Schiit Modi-2 it's $99.