Best audio CD backup util?

[darkjester]

Hi. I was nostalgically looking through my audio CD's that I've had for many years (and haven't listened to since I discovered MP3s ), and noticed that some aren't doing so well. The data side is blotchy, and some of the music skips, etc. I heard that after so many years, some CDs start to mess up. This concerns me because at one time I spent a lot of money on these discs, and I'd love to keep the music around. The solution? Back them on MP3.

So there are a lot of CD -> (WAV or) MP3 converters/rippers out there and I was wondering which you guys would recommend. I'd prefer for the software to be free, but if it's really good, I'd gladly pay for it. The program I'm interested in should be able to query the web for all the album info and then export that info to the ID3 tag of the corresponding MP3 (or, at the very least, appropriately name the file of the corresponding WAV file). Other useful features would be great!

Any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks in advance!



PS: For all the cynics out there, I am actually just backing up my purchased audio CD's, so please don't bother thread-crapping. ...Besides, I don't think anyone would want my music.

 

[randomlinh]

Your best bet are EAC or cdex. Both are excellent. EAC i've seen to be a bit awkward for new users... you NEED to remember to set the drive settings properly. But it probably is your best bet for scratchy cd's. Either way, the two best rippers out there are free

 

[Zim Hosein]

CloneCD

http://www.elby.org/CloneCD/english/index.htm

 

[randomlinh]

forgot to add to use the LAME mp3 encoder (info at r3mix.

i got the impression you wanted to encoded, but if you want to copy, clone would work, or just use eac/cdex to rip and then burn (to keep it *legally* free ).

 

[yakko]

<< I heard that after so many years, some CDs start to mess up >>

I have heard this rumor but of my 700+ CDs I only have two that are messed up but I don't think it is from age. Some of mine I purchased over 10 years ago.



Go here for more information. I personally love Exact Audio Copy with the Lame encoder for my archiving needs.

 

[im2smrt4u]

EAC and LAME = teh winnar!