I have a problem CD, though I'm not sure what the problem is... The surface of the CD is just fine, and there's not a single scratch to be seen. But none of the CD players I've tried (at least 3 different players) will play it, and every ripping software I've tried struggles. Only EAC did a decent effort on 8 of its 11 tracks. CDex actually ripped the whole CD really fast, but there were lots of errors on the tracks (same errors each time). EAC's burst mode got me the same result (though with slightly better results). EAC's secure mode spent about 8 hours on the first 8 tracks and they all turned out perfect. However, on the 9th, 10th and 11th track, it just gives up after about 10 minutes. I've tried it several times, but with the same result. Here's the log file for the attempt at the 9th track:


The resulting file is a tiny WAV file of 21 seconds (though there are no errors during that time). Needless to say, this is the only CD I've had a problem with. Suggestions anyone? I'd be happy to provide further statistics if that's necessary. Though it's very likely the problem is very obvious for some of you

Thanks!

Perhaps the cd is copy protected. You could also have a scratch on the other side of the disc preventing it from being read properly. My Plextor PX-W4012A hate copy protected cd's while my Lite-On SOHR-5238S doesn't even notice. But you trouble sounds more like a scratch or hole in the picture side of the disc.

Most likely some kind of physical damage, though invisible. I just had similar problem with CD issued long before all that copy protection crap appeared. I've spent many hours trying to rip it, wathcing how it keeps re-reading each sector, in secure mode, only to end up with audible errors, so I gave up on the whole thing. CD looks ok, and cleaning it didn't make any difference. I have Samsun external drive.

Thanks for the input. The CD is not copy protected (though those CDs are also problematic with my drive, but with a completely different error), and I can't see any scratches on the picture side either. Also this is a problem that more or less persists throughout the whole CD, from very early in track 1 to the end of track 11. It's just that EAC DOES succeed in reading tracks 1-8 properly, even though it takes an hour on each track... I just can't see why it should have such difficulties reading this CD, and why it can't read the last three tracks when it succeeds on the first 8.

I guess it is possible, then, that there is a physical error affecting the whole disc. Maybe it was exposed to high temperatures at some point in time (before reaching me)...? EAC's burst mode did a fair job, actually, even though there are errors. So I do have a way of listening to it. Thanks for the input!

I take it the disc is not a new purchase?

Is there an official "Compact Disc Digital Audio" logo anywhere on it?

Check for flaws in the data layer by holding the disc up with a light source directly behind it (preferably in a dim or dark room) and look for light shining through any pin holes or scratches.

Hmm... Interesting comments, Cosmo. I bought this CD a couple of years ago. And no, there's no "Compact Disc Digital Audio" logo on it.

Holding the disc up against the light, I see no flaws. This might just be the cleanest CD I have

I guess burst mode is the way to go in this case, but try lowering the ripping speed to 4x or 8x under Drive Options -> Offset/Speed. I've experienced the same thing as you, and ended up with theese settings as the "optimal" with my Plextor 708.

My drive doesn't seem to allow EAC to rip at a different speed. But I agree with you - the burst mode does a fair job in this case. There are still clicks here and there (distant popcorn...), but it's decent enough. I think I'll just give up on this and assume that there is some physical damage to the disc.

Thanks for the input, everyone!

You could use Nero Drive Speed (included with Nero or available for free here). That loads up a little program in the tray that lets you put a maximum speed on your cd drives. It works fine for me when using DAE.

I like it mostly for quietness by limiting speed while watching xvid movies.

I have one CD that refuses to be ripped - I just tried it again yesterday, forgetting about a past attempt. I would think that there is some kind of copy protection scheme that probably uses basic technology to insert errors that don't get played.

One time a few years back I had one disk that when I tried to rip it with EAC it produced only static. I managed to get an acceptable rip of that same CD with Audiograbber using unbuffered burst mode at 4x speed. That's basically the only time EAC secure have failed me...