[Ashleyj]

Originally Posted by Dave C

I have though about that but was concerned that there would be a loss of quality associated with the conversion . Also, I had read that the conversion programs tend to mess up tags & album art work and I can not face retagging 700 albums.

No idea about the loss of quality but if as you say it messes up the metadata then it is definitely not worth doing - its bad enough have to do the odd album that I rip but 700, no way!

Update:
Seems that once again Vik has come up with the answer.