From: SteamShip <steamship_at_sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 23:28:14 -0500

LOL, I knew my bold statement would cause a stir, but I stand by my claim..
Only free programs have been mentioned on this thread thus far, but every
time I have seen this question asked in any forum or email list, someone
will mention a program that requires payment, and that does not work as
well, nor with such widespread audiophile support and proven track record as
EAC.

To those that think that EAC is hard to use, that is not accurate if you
follow the simple setup on the link I originally posted:

http://tinyurl.com/2rmw
(http://www.chrismyden.com/nuke/modules.php?op=modload&name=Elite_DAE&file=p
ainless)

Once it is setup using the config file posted there, it is a matter of 3
clicks to have the labeled, ripped MP3 file sitting in it's designated
folder. The only two adjustments I made from Chris Myden's config was to
select another CDDB database server URL, & remove his custom text signature
from ID3 tag (Press F11 key ==>Choose "Offset" tab, uncheck last line and
save this profile)

 It is true that CDex is the closest to EAC, and if you have a flawless CD,
AND you set it up correctly, they will likely yield the same level of
reproduction accuracy. However, by using the link above, Chris shows you
how to make sure that you did set it up correctly by checking the test rip
text report. I did find a meticulous study that someone did to compare EAC
& CDex in his one drive. Some will say that APPARENTLY CDex will correct
errors better than EAC, but the proof is in the analysis of the final
result. You can read the details at this link that Fred posted earlier:

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=3164

His conclusions bear repeating for those that glossed over them:

"With the Memorex DVD-Maxx 1648 drive, CDex is of no use compared to EAC, it
returns files full of errors and audible clicks claiming zero errors occured
even in full paranoia mode. Though the C2 error detection is currently very
criticized, it is still, at least for this drive, infinitely more accurate
(9462 times more accurate, according to Feurio ) than CDex full paranoia
mode, and as accurate as the reading twice method in EAC, while much
faster."

With time, and more development these two programs may end up being much
closer, but I see no point in anyone going out of their way to unseat EAC
since it has so much support, works so well, and has huge networks of MP3
file trading, but ONLY with those who have used EAC with this config to rip
them. Of course I cannot say any more about these networks for obvious
reasons.
Received on 2003-12-20