Are all Computer Ripping Engines the Same?
If you’re an audiophile and wish to rip your CD collection in order to listen to your music through some sort of music server or itunes you should be aware that not all ripping engines are alike.
I discovered this when I wanted to make demo CD’s to use at the store. I had ripped my entire CD collection Apple Lossless files so I could use itunes to play my music into my stereo system. When I decided make the demo CD I quickly put together my favorite demo tracks and burned them onto a blank disc using itunes and off I went. I then decided to compare the demo CD to the original and was shocked how much detail was lost on the burned copy. Of course, this was a huge disappointment to me. I decided to do some research and found that there were many other audiophiles who discovered what I had discovered.
Computer Music Ripping Software : Each Audio Copy and dbpoweramp
I also discovered there is a solution. Exact Audio Copy (EAC) and dbpoweramp both address this issue by developing a much better, not better, perfect burning program.EAC is freeware where dbpoweramp cost about $30. (Free as far as I’m concerned.) EAC is less friendly to use and doesn’t offer any on going support. Where as dbpoweramp continues to improve their product as far as features and ease of use. Both allow you to rip to most any type of file format and dbpoweramp has a converter which will convert any lossless format to any other lossless format without any compromise to the sound. So I played around with ripping and burning to a CD and if anything, the burned CD sounded better. Don’t ask my how but that can be the case but it was. So, if you’re thinking of ripping you CD collection you will definitely want to go this direction.
