Hi Everyone,

I have gotten to a point where I want to archive CDs, then transcode to .mp3 or AAC to an Ipod. This thing is I am stuck trying to decide which software to use.

I am stuck between which format to use. I like how easy Apple lossless is to use, especially in itunes since I am a noob at this. I dont know how error free Itunes is though I am guessing it isnt great.

What are the Pros/Cons of Apples lossless vs Flac?

This brings me to the encoders. I tired EAC, I uses a guide: http://www.teqnilogik.com/tutorials/eac.sh...sionOptionsFLAC but some reason, it will only let me rip to .wav. I am using Lame with this command line: -V 2 --vbr-new

I have been reading here about foobar and dBpoweramp, which would be better for me? Assuming I would need a few guides to help me setup. I guess my requirements are ease of use and accuracy of the rip.

What can I use to test my drives? I see alot of people asking if their drives allow for C2 checking?

since your purpose is archiving, you might as well use a secure ripper. i don't see the point of devoting that much hd space if you'll use an unsecure ripper like itunes.

i recommend flac over apple lossless. check this comparison. the great thing about lossless is you can pick the worst codec, change your mind in the future and just convert without losing anything.

i myself use foobar2000 because it's foolproof. i believe dbpoweramp is just as easy to use. you can check these guides for flac with eac.

The former will play in iTunes, if you use that. (And can be streamed from iTunes to an Airport Express if you wish.)

The latter is an open format and has good support on any platform you're likely to use now or in the future.

It's that portability across platforms that clinches it for me, but others have other priorities.



I'd think it best to try a few programs and see what you like. I use Mac, and secondarily Linux, more than I use Windows, but I've used Foobar2000 and EAC. They both seem like fine programs to me if not particularly intuitive. Many Windows users here like and use both those - and many use the other program you mention, dBpoweramp, which I don't know. IIRC, it has been said here that dBpoweramp is easier to use than EAC. I'd have a look at some of the old threads. Hydrogen Audio's guides are also worth a look:

http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

This one may be particularly useful:

http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=EAC_and_FLAC

i believe that eac guide you're using is missing %d at the end of the command line.

-8 -T "artist=%a" -T "title=%t" -T "album=%g" -T "date=%y" -T "tracknumber=%n" -T "genre=%m" %s %d

--please disregard

Please explain what you mean by foolproof. When it comes to accurate ripping I don't believe that fb2k is on par with EAC and especially not dBpoweramp.

The %d is not necessary.

i didn't mean it was more secure. i just meant that in my opinion it is easier to use. no commandlines to mess up. ease of use along with accuracy was what the threadstarter wanted anyway.

i was mistaken about the %d. my bad.

Hmm, I am not sure what I am doing wrong in EAC, I am going clicking the .mp3 button and it starts ripping to .wav. Then I am trying it from the action > compressed menu. Still keeps going to .wav. dBpoweramp costs money right?

You say you're using a command line for Lame but the link you've given is for flac.

Anyhow, check the wiki.

In that FAQ there is an .mp3 section
http://www.teqnilogik.com/tutorials/eac.sh...ssionOptionsMP3