A few important notes on format:
I'd strongly discourage you from using WAV files for lack of metadata support which will make your life living hell if you ever have to move files around, share files, or restore from a backup. Just don't do it.
If you are using iTunes to manage your library it will NOT support FLAC in its native form. You would have to use some add-on software like Amarra or Pure Music in order to use FLAC files. Otherwise FLAC is an excellent choice as it does work with a whole lot of options in software and is cross-platform.
As has been noted already, the software that you use to rip the files initially will make a significant difference. The drive will not. Good recommendations already for EAC (PC only) or XLD. I'd add Max to the list for Mac, and I would avoid ripping in iTunes because the error correction is not great. Make sure to have the error-correction set in whatever software you choose to the most vigorous setting (in Max that would be "Full Paranoia" using CD Paranoia as error correction).
Mirrored RAID is what you want. I believe that is RAID 1. Good advice already about the drive size (2-3tb with room for expansion). I would further advise you get good raw HD units for the RAID device such as WD Black Caviar or Hitachi Ultrastar Enterprise. The components used to build those drives are superior to the cheaper drives (some from the same manufacturers) and they have a higher MTBF rating, FWIW. Any drive can fail though, so backup is absolutely a must and RAID is a great way to do it.
You might also look to ComputerAudiophile.com for further info and opinions.
Good luck
I'd strongly discourage you from using WAV files for lack of metadata support which will make your life living hell if you ever have to move files around, share files, or restore from a backup. Just don't do it.
If you are using iTunes to manage your library it will NOT support FLAC in its native form. You would have to use some add-on software like Amarra or Pure Music in order to use FLAC files. Otherwise FLAC is an excellent choice as it does work with a whole lot of options in software and is cross-platform.
As has been noted already, the software that you use to rip the files initially will make a significant difference. The drive will not. Good recommendations already for EAC (PC only) or XLD. I'd add Max to the list for Mac, and I would avoid ripping in iTunes because the error correction is not great. Make sure to have the error-correction set in whatever software you choose to the most vigorous setting (in Max that would be "Full Paranoia" using CD Paranoia as error correction).
Mirrored RAID is what you want. I believe that is RAID 1. Good advice already about the drive size (2-3tb with room for expansion). I would further advise you get good raw HD units for the RAID device such as WD Black Caviar or Hitachi Ultrastar Enterprise. The components used to build those drives are superior to the cheaper drives (some from the same manufacturers) and they have a higher MTBF rating, FWIW. Any drive can fail though, so backup is absolutely a must and RAID is a great way to do it.
You might also look to ComputerAudiophile.com for further info and opinions.
Good luck