a media system is disclosed that uses preemptive recording of media files to reduce playback latency when media tracks are subsequently selected for playback during the recording process . the media system comprises a primary storage device capable of storing media files and a secondary storage device capable of reading digital media files from a removable storage medium . the system also includes a media player capable of playing media files stored on the primary storage device and a recorder that is connected to read digital media data from the secondary storage device . the recorder stores media files corresponding to the digital media data of the removable storage medium on the primary storage device . to reduce subsequent playback latency when media tracks are selected for playback during the recording process , the recorder automatically stores only predetermined portions of each media file read from the storage medium on the primary storage device when the removable storage medium is , for example , initially engaged with the secondary storage device . the preemptive recording may also occur at advantageous times other than the time at which the removable storage medium is initially engaged with the secondary storage device . further , preemptive recording may be limited to the media files selected by the user for complete recording from the secondary storage device to the primary storage device .