I'm looking for a quality encoder that will (1) allow me to specify the LAME ver I want to use, (2) is easy to use, (3) will encode MP3s form CD with the basic tag info and filename structure and (4) most importantly, produce quality MP3s.

I've tried several encoders, but get varied results and varied extraction ratios. I've heard good things about EAC, but the MP3s it produced (with the recommended settings) were extremely small (about 1/40 the size of the original WAV file), so I'm concerned that they're overcompressed to the extent that quality is compromised.

As you can see, I'm extremely confused and somewhat frustrated. I realize this topic has likely been addressed many times before, but a cursory search of this forum did not provide much information.

I have about 500 CDs that I want to rip to MP3, so I want to do it right the first time.

I appreciate all comments and assistance regarding this issue.

Thanks!

Uncle Mole

Welcome to HydrogenAudio.org,
before asking such a broad and general question, please spend some time looking through the FAQ and the Recommended LAME compiles and settings threads.

The answer you'll find to your question is, that you're best off using EAC with LAME 3.90.3 and --alt-preset standard.

Some members of this community prefer the latest LAME Version (3.96.1) over the tried and tested 3.90.3.

Thanks...sorry.

just one note ... you are looking for quality rippers ... rippers are the programs that "rip" the tracks from the CD to WAV or other format ... LAME is an encoder ... a program that tackes the ripped tracks from WAV format and encodes them into mp3 format.

per your 3 requests, i would recommendyou www.dbpoweramp.com ... and if your cds are suspected of having scratches, EAC.