FLAC rippers: Does it matter which one?

[jazzdude]

Over time I have ripped a very substantial part of my CD collection to FLAC for archival purposes and for playback on my home audio system. I have only recently become aware of programs like EAC and dbpoweramp (which I plan to use for conversion of my FLAC files to mp3 for portable use). I used J. River Media Jukebox/Center and/or Media Monkey to rip most of the FLAC files. Is there any reason to think that the quality of the rip is any different than if I had used EAC or dbpoweramp? They certainly sound fine to me.

 

[Punnisher]

I would not think so.

You only need robust error checking if your CDs are scratched enough to need it.

EAC will not even engage the error checking unless there is enough damage to warrant it.

It's pretty amazing how well you can rip a severely scratched CD with EAC though. I'd start using it now, but don't worry about your previous rips unless you notice albums with numerous errors.

 

[krmathis]

I would also think you are fine.
Secure rippers stand out when dealing with badly scratched CD's, while on good condition CD's any ripper should be sufficient.

 

[iriverdude]

But EAC offers Accurate rip, which confirms ripping has been read in correctly.

 

[mnhnhyouh]

And I believe that EAC is the only one to do this.

h

 

[jazzdude]

OK, thanks. So the bottom line is that I won't know for sure that my rips were "bit perfect." I can live with that vs. spending all of that time re-ripping. I am careful with my CDs, so they should all be very clean. I can't imagine there would have been problems, but if I discover something that sounds off, I can re-rip that.

As an aside, I just discovered the wonders of the dbpoweramp batch converter, which should be a major time saver when converting to mp3. Is it generally suggested to rip at the highest VBR level? I know I should do a comparison myself, but for portable use (primarily in somewhat noisier environments) if there is not a substantial difference in file size between ripping at the "extreme" setting, vs. "standard", I would just as soon use the higher setting and be done with it.

 

[Earwax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnhnhyouh /img/forum/go_quote.gif And I believe that EAC is the only one to do this. h

DBpoweramp does too. And it's easier to use and configure than EAC.

 

[mkozlows]

I'd strongly recommend dbPowerAmp (which has the AccurateRip and all the other stuff that EAC has, except it's a zillion times easier to use). I was ripping in Foobar for a while, and I got some horrendously bad rips on discs that were in perfectly good shape. It's possible my CD drive is just flaky, but basically if you ever see your secure ripper "fixing" anything, it was worth it.

 

[krmathis]

My conclusion. If you can't hear any pops, clicks, .. in your current tracks, don't bother re-ripping. But from now on use one of the regarded audio CD rippers, like EAC or dBpoweramp

 

[wenhui]

I rip my CD's into FLAC using Winamp... I have used EAC before and didn't notice any difference in the SQ between both. So why do most people recommend dbPowerAmp or EAC for even discs in good conditions?

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wenhui /img/forum/go_quote.gif I rip my CD's into FLAC using Winamp... I have used EAC before and didn't notice any difference in the SQ between both. So why do most people recommend dbPowerAmp or EAC for even discs in good conditions?

Because its easier!
Instead of using two rippers, one of good condition and another for bad condition CD's, you use one that handle both conditions smoothly. Then you simply have to pop it in and rip, without needing to check the condition of the CD and choose the "correct" ripper application...

 

[insyte]

EAC because of accuraterip

 

[AmericasTeam]

I also use EAC.

 

[Bojamijams]

dbpoweramp > eac > the rest

 

[Starsky5000]

You know i am in the same situation the OP is in. I ripped all my music in flac using Cowon's Jetshell.

I knew about EAC before i started coverting all my cds to flac but used Cowon's JetAudio that came with my Cowon
U3 instead. When played on my Cowon U3 my music sound crystal clear & PERFECT to my ears. Seriously!

NOTE: They are no scratches or errors on my cds. Almost all of my cds are brand new, with a few exceptions.