Ripping software & error correction

[avgjoe]

Okay, so I didn't know about Exact Audio Copy until very recently. I've been burning my CDs to wav files using Creative's mediasource organizer which came with my X-Fi soundcard. What is error correction? Is it just for badly scratched CDs? How and why is EAC the ultimate Audio ripping software? Thanks.

[Feanor]

Okay, so I didn't know about Exact Audio Copy until very recently. I've been burning my CDs to wav files using Creative's mediasource organizer which came with my X-Fi soundcard. What is error correction? Is it just for badly scratched CDs? How and why is EAC the ultimate Audio ripping software? Thanks.

Try using EAC on a sampling of discs that show no scratching. (You don't have to actually rip them: EAC has a test mode). You will find that the CD have typically have 0 to 3 errors, all easily corrected by EAC, but also likely easily corrected by other ripping software, (e.g. iTunes), especially if it has a error correcting mode -- or your CD player for that matter. In general the siginificance of CD errors is exagerated.

Personally I rip to Apple Lossless format using iTunes in error correction mode.

[avgjoe]

Are there any online guides because the amount of options in EAC are overwhelming. Another problem is that EAC fails to enable error correction on my OEM DVD RW drive even when error correction is in the specs of the drive.

[Feanor]

Are there any online guides because the amount of options in EAC are overwhelming. Another problem is that EAC fails to enable error correction on my OEM DVD RW drive even when error correction is in the specs of the drive.

EAC options are confusing. As I recall, I have the same problem with my DVD RW drive.

It remains my opinion that EAC is over-kill unless you need to rip scratched CDs. One time I tested a CD-R disc I'd made by putting several severe scratches on it, including one parallel to the circumference. It took EAC about 1 hour to rip it :eek: ; EAC reported one track as unreadable (as I recall) but the rest were fine.

[avgjoe]

I'm just obsessed enough with getting the best audio quality otu of my cds to rerip my 40gb collection. You guys think it is worth it? I mean are the difference really measureable?

[recoveryone]

I'm just obsessed enough with getting the best audio quality otu of my cds to rerip my 40gb collection. You guys think it is worth it? I mean are the difference really measureable?

I've heard much about EAC and it is said to be the standard in ripping music, but if you can find a easier program that will rip in lossless format and keep the bit rate up around 320kbps you will be fine. MS Media Player rip's in lossless format and is more straight foward in the settings.