Ripping CDs with iTunes - Bit Perfect?

Hello all,

Reading some articles pertaining to sources, I recently came across a thread (which is actually here on these forums) that discusses how iTunes does not rip files from CDs Bit-by-Bit.. which really disappoints me as I use iTunes as my primary source for both playback and to rip Red Books in Apple Lossless format with the "auto-error correction" feature. I do use a custom-built Windows machine, so I can't use any Mac software. I do use foobar2000, but only for my HDtracks downloads. Some may question my usage of iTunes for playback, but I enjoy its user-interface immensely. Any info on this possible issue would be highly appreciated..

Also, what is the best software to rip CDs with on Windows?

Destroysall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot 

You can't convert from a CD to Apple Lossless and have it be bit perfect. You're creating a new kind of compressed file. If you want the file to be identical to the CD, make disk images. But Apple Lossless plays back bit perfect. Ultimately, that's all that matters.
I really don't know what you're worrying about.

Thank you. My only worry was non-accurate ripping, causing any additional loss. However it seems I have nothing to worry of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy4 

For free - Exact Audio Copy

For $38(totally worth it if you do a lot of file conversions) - dbpoweramp

 

Both have error checking and check with accuraterip database.

dBpoweramp seems like a liable option, thank you.

Destroysall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot 

The only problem you might have is if your CDs are beat to hell. I've ripped hundreds and hundreds of hours of music using iTunes and I've only had one bad track. And that was because I was multitasking and using my computer to do two things at once.

Most if not all of my CDs are in mint condition. I do not play frisbee with them. The ones that do end up damaged are often replaced immediately. I must ask though, how does multitasking negatively effect ripping?

Destroysall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot 

ITunes with error correction checked should be fine for you then. When your processor gets hit with a big load, it can shuffle between the load and the CD you're ripping. I had one time where applying a photoshop filter while ripping put clicks in the track. I have over 10,000 CDs to rip, so I keep my laptop next to my computer and use it to rip CDs while I work on the other machine.

Thank you, and I understand the situation. Is your notebook computer your music server or just something to help you multitask?

Destroysall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot 

My music server is a dedicated mac mini. I have a laptop and destop computer in addition to that. After I rip CDs, I move the files across my network to the server.

I have always thought about having a dedicated music server.. are there any possible flaws in having one?

Destroysall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot 

It drives my theater too with 25 tb of storage on 4 Drobos. Thousands of CDs and thousands of DVDs ripped into it.

My lord, so much data.. I presume you use AirPlay via Apple Airport Express? I have thought of going that route myself. Would make my life at home much more exquisite.

Destroysall.