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CD ripper software is intended for copying CD audio content to music files at hard disc of a computer. Read below about:
• sound quality,
• different ripping ways (including safe/secure and unsecure),
• ripping formats and settings,
• metadata management;
• Frequently Asked Questions;
• how to choose the best CD ripping software for audiophile.

CD ripper software for audiophiles

Disclaimer: The list may contains mistakes and be non-actual for current version of a ripper software. If cell is empty, there author havn't exact information. If you found error contact us. We produce AuI ConevreR 48x44.

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Disclaimer: In this article theoretical concepts are discussed. Real software and hardware are not discussed here and may works differently. All stuff here is personal opinion of the author. And the stuff is based on the author's knowledge in the time of the article writing.

Common ripping issues

You can meet topic of the article too often at the forums and articles, like: 'the best cd ripping software 2020', 'the best cd ripper 2020', 'the best cd ripper for mac', 'the best cd ripper for windows', etc. The rippers are compared by perceived sound quality, functionality, metadata (song information: track name, album, performer, etc.) abilities, ripping speed and other.

However, in the author opinion, main feature of the best cd ripping software for audiophiles is exactness of copying CD's binary audio information to music files.

This feature is measurable. But the author don't know about studies, that available for public access.

A Safe CD ripper or secure CD ripper is the ripper software that have the binary-content-copying exactness as aim.

Read below:

• sound quality issues;
• how to provide the exactness and how it linked with ripping speed;
• damaged CD music information restoration;
• best CD rip format and settings.

CD ripper software features

• Copying music binary content from CD tracks to sound files
• Copying optical disc fault detection
• Attempt of damaged audio restoring
• Ripping speed
• Embedding text metadata and album artwork (auto and/or manual)
• Resampling and bit-depth altering
• Creating directory structure to ripped files

Read below review of audio data integrity control (quality issues), ripping speed and audio-information restoration.

CD ripper sound quality

Quality of CD ripping is number of broken bytes in the ripped files.

CD ripping error is digital audio data difference between original record (binary audio file content that is intended for CD pressing) and audio content of ripped file.

Original record is audio file that used to produce compact disc.

Correct error detection is correct detection of real broken byte.

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False (wrong) error detection is fault on correct music information.

Abbreviations

ED - error detection

Maximal CD ripping quality is ripping without errors. I.e. binary music content of a ripped file should be fully identical to original record.

In the first approach, CD ripping software can't improve sound of CD.

The best thing that can to do the software is binary exact copy of music information from optical disc to sound file only.

However, there are some details. If computer optical drive provide lesser reading error number, than audio optical disc player, ripped sound files can be closer to original master record than digital music stream, that read on the CD-player. It was important to remember, that hardware players have own ways of probable broken music restoration.

The word 'probably' is used too often in the article, because error rising, correct or false error detection, error fixing are not events with 100% probability.

What cause CD ripping fault

Digital music stream faults can cause either clicks or pauses or interruptions or other audible distortions.

CD ripping fault detection

There are different ways of the ripping error detection:

• high level fault detection
• checksum comparison of number identical ripped discs
• low level fault detection

High level CD-fault detection

In this case CD audio stream is read:

- without error flags,

- without re-readings,

- with buffering of read information.

Audio information is corrected by optical drive anyway.

But there are some ways of additional ED are missed (read details 'Low level CD-fault detection' part).

Sometimes optical device driver of operation system is able to report about fault, sometimes - not (depend on implementation driver and operation system). CD ripper don't obtain to error flags, generated by compact disc drive, and store music information as is into files.

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CD checksum comparison with database

This secure way calculate ripped CD's checksum. These checksums are collected into internet database. When you rip CD at the database compatible ripping software, your rip checksum is calculated and compared with checksums into the database.

But the database don't contains original record checksum. So ripped checksum compared with array of uncertified checksums.

We can hope (without 100% warranty), that the majority (of similar checksums for some CD into the database) is the same checksum of the CD's original record.

But, as example, if a serie of CD was manufactured without 100% identity to original studio files (by unknown to us reasons), then we have non-correct majority.

If a CD ripper (that is used to copying of the majority) have a non-fixed bug, same situation may happens too.

Also there may rare record or different optical disc version (pressing, mastering?) issues.

Low level CD-fault detection

This secure/safe way based on:

• own abilities of CD drive
• ripper software's statistics collecting by multiple re-readings of your optical disc.

CD-drive is able to correct faults and restore (with some probability) valid audio information (Reed–Solomon coding) [1][2].

So compact disc drive try detect fault inside. If it is detected, the drive try to restore music information. In case of unsuccessful fault elimination, error flag (C2) mark broken byte.

The safe/secure compact disc ripper software may to apply additional fault detection and correction algorithm under data, that was before checked and corrected into CD drive.

Raw audio stream from CD-drive is read with C2 flags, re-readings and with buffering elimination of read data.

Several re-readings of CD-drive's music data, can cause different binary content for re-readings.

This difference combined with С2 flags can give new information about faults, that was probable missed into CD-drive.

One error flag control audio data integrity of 1 byte of the raw audio information. The flag calculated by CD drive. Probably, some drives can't calculate it. But, I suppose, it is matter of older drives.

Re-reading is repeated reading of CD track's fragment. Re-reading performed several times.

Buffering elimination is attempt of forced cleaning of CD data buffer for each re-reading. Re-reading from music data buffer have no sense, because there are same information for each re-reading. But repeatable audio data reading from CD can cause different content in problematical places.

Further the obtained data array is analized to additional ED.

This method also don't guarantee 100% probability of audio stream integrity.

However, there is no additional element of uncertainty like a database without original record checksum.

Ripping speed

CD extractor can begin to read information from maximal speed to save time. When compact disc ripper read music information and get fault (as from optical disc drive, as by the data analysis), it can reduce reading speed to safer extracting. Of course, it consume more time.

Ripping speed depend on own CD drive's correct reading ability.

CD reading speed should provide maximal available safety of extracted music information.

If CD ripper use re-readings, it decrease total ripping speed anyway, even for constant rotary speed.
Because in safe/secure mode compact disc is read several times, instead one time in unsafe mode.

Simultaneous using of CD's checksum comparison and low level fault detection

Correct error-detection is event when both sources (safe CD ripper and checksum database) detected 'ripped information is valid'.

Warning:

'Correct error-detection' and 'correct ripping' are different events.

'Correct error-detection' happens when ripper detect errors correctly relatively binary content of source studio audio file, that is used to CD manufacturing.

'Correct ripping' happens when binary audio content of ripped file is identical to binary content of the source studio audio file.

If 'correct error-detection' is happens, it mean that 'correct ripping' don't happen.

Mac os x 10.6 download. Total correct error-detection probability (CEDP) of the safe ripper:

• without the checksum database: CEDPwod=CEDPcd
• with the database: CEDPwd=CEDPcd * CEDPdb

CEDPcd is [CD drive + CD ripper] system's correct ED probability (CEDPcd <= 1.0)

CEDPdb is the dababase's correct ED probability (CEDPdb <= 1.0)

Ideal theoretical value of CEDPcd and CEDPdb is 1.0. But real values are lesser 1.0 always.

Result of multiplication CEDPcd to value, that lesser 1, is lesser than CEDPcd.

Thus, CEDPwd < CEDPwod ('with database' lesser than 'without').

There is no known information, what is higher: correct ED probability of [CD drive+ripper software] system or database.

Simultaneous using of both methods reduce total correct error-detection probability of CD ripping.

Generally, separate using only one of these two methods is recommended to decrease result uncertainty.

You can choose method, that is more suitable for you by other functionality (data restoration, as example, or other).

Though mistake in method choice can cause lesser total correct error detection probability.

Attempt of CD audio data restoration

The ripper software read data array (raw audio data and error flags after several re-readings) and use it to create probable correct content at damaged places (without 100% guarantee, of course).

Some data can't be restored (fatal faults).

What is the best CD rip format

If your aim is binary audio data capturing as is, use any lossless PCM format (WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, etc.).

If your aim is lossless file size reducing, use FLAC.

If your aim is maximal file size reducing - use mp3 or AAC format.

However, for optical discs, ripping to backups in lossless file formats (WAV, FLAC, AIFF) is recommended.
After it you can convert these lossless backups to mp3, DSF or other format.
It allow to save time of slow audiophile ripping procedure.

What is the best CD rip settings

Most complex ripping part is safe reading from optical disc. For some discs it may be unstable.

Generally ripping into 16 bit / 44.1 kHz PCM backup (WAV, FLAC, AIFF, etc.) without any processing is recommended.

Check your CD ripper settings to turn off any processings (resampling, dithering, gain, etc.).

These ripped backups you can use for further conversions to target musical devices (portable audio player, mobile phone, car audio, music server, etc.).

CD ripper quality comparison method

Fortunately we can objectively compare CD rippers by ripping quality.

This comparison can't cover all cases. Because test result can depend on damaging kind of test CD.

1. Tools

1.1. CD rippers
1.2. CD-drive(s)
1.3. Test CDs with binary identical WAV files per track.
The test CDs should have different
1.4. Tool for binary comparison of WAV files.

2. Testing rippers

2.1. Rip the test CDs to WAV files for different combinations:
a) CD ripper software
b) Compact disc drive
c) CD ripping mode (speed, overlapping, re-reading number, recovering, etc.) if available.

2.2. Compare ripped WAV files with original files (sources of tracks of the test CDs) via binary comparison tool (goal 1.4):
a) Length in bytes from begin of the track to first detected (via binary comparison) fault byte.
Register it in results as mark of steadiness CD extractor to fault appearing.
b) Percent of detected (via binary comparison) wrong bytes to total number of bytes in track.
Register it in results asmark of ability CD extractor to fault avoiding.

During WAV file binary comparison need consider audio data only (pass by WAV’s header and non-audio chunks).

Recommended provide several times (10 and more) rippings in combination

{[test CD]+[CD ripper]+[CD ripping mode]+[CD drive]}

It is need to be addressed possible byte offset between original WAVs and ripped ones.
If the offset is present, superpose original and ripped WAV files.

To superpose refer to identical binary sequences of audio data. Found identical binary sequences in original and ripped WAV files and shift compared binary content to match the sequences.

As begin of track considered begin of original WAV's audio data.

3. Comparing results of the tests

Integral mark of the tested system [ripper + ripping mode + CD drive] is averaged by different test CDs.
Resume of test are made by comparison of the integral marks of the systems.

Metadata for ripped songs

Some CD rippers are able automatically request track's metadata (metatags): song and album name, year, performer for internet database.

Some databases contains album artworks.

When ripping is started, the ripper form unique ID of compact disc by its track start addresses, as example.

Sometimes database contains several entries for single disc. As example, at different languages.

Some rippers enable to assign metadata and/or album artwork file manyally before or after ripping.

There are databases:

Free:

Commercial (with some non-commercial options):

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to rip CDs?

The best way to rip CD-audio is using of system (CD-ripper software + optical disk drive), that cause lesser reading error number. Such things as jitter, colour marker penss to covering disk surface or side and other same things is not matter for you. Read details..

Read also:

How do I rip CDs in Windows 10?

Read the user manual: How to rip CD on Windows..

Why can't I rip a CD?

There are several reasons:

• CD is not audio;
• [Windows only]CD contains both audio and data. And you can see the data in a Windows file manager;
• [Windows only] you can't copy *.cda files directly. Because they are only index files, that don't contains audio data;
• CD is damaged.

Read the user manual: How to rip CD [Mac, Windows]..

Does ripping music from CD damage it?

Some ways of CD can cause additional mechanical load to CD. But, the author know nothing about CD, damaged by ripping.

Fast or express CD ripping on first speed is the same usual CD playback.

How to Choose the Best CD Ripping Software [Resume]

Main useful audio ripper feature is copying exactness of audio data from compact disc to file. In the ideal case the data should be extracted without changes.

For valid CDs it is not matter. In the first approach, all CD rippers will work identically there. Except false error detection case.

But some CDs, especially damaged, may contains errors. And CD extractor should found the faults. It's desirable, the ripping software attempt to restore damaged data that was found.

I.e. we can choose (as the best) the ripper that makes minimal fault number in ripped data.

In the article comparison method of audio rippers is suggested.

Unfortunately, I don't met results of independent ripper quality researches in the open sources.

Using checksum database allow to compare own ripping results with other ones, but original record checksum is unknown.

I'd recommend to choose one of CD rippers (free or paid), that have low level error detection with CD drive, providing C2 error flags. It enables the direct control over ripping errors without referring to uncertified third party sources.

Simultaneous both method using is not recommended, because probable case that both methods show different results.

The simultaneous using can reduce probability of correct error detection.

Yuri Korzunov,
Audiophile Inventory's developer
April 23, 2020 updated since May 21, 2016

Read more about CD ripping

References

How often is it that you can get something for your systemfor nothing? Almost never. Below are six of our favorite free pieces ofsoftware that we think every audio enthusiast should download and try out. FromCD ripping to improving your ability to critically listen, this list hassomething for everyone. Enjoy, and let us know if you have any othersuggestions by posting in the comments below.

1.Exact Audio Copy

Exact Audio Copy, or EAC as the cool kids say, is theSwiss Army Knife of CD ripping, copying, and burning. The goal of this program,as the name suggests, is to rip audio from a CD without adulterating the file.It does this through jitter correction and read error detection. When rippingin “secure mode”, EAC reads every audio section at least twice, or relies onextended error information that some drives are able to return with the audiodata. Let’s say there is an error while reading a disc, the program willre-read up to 82 times, compare the results, and give you the best copypossible. If the program is less than 99.5% sure the audio stream is correct,it will alert you with a read error. Beyond accuracy, the program is endlesslycustomizable while still managing to be easy enough to use for the less-technicaluser.

Exact Audio Copy

EAC can save the ripped files in uncompressed WAV format,and supports external MP3, WMA, flac and OggVorbis encoders. It can alsodecompress some files back to WAV. There are a host of other features, like CDwriting, pre-track gap detection, and metadata editing. If you are looking totake your CD collection and turn it into a digital library, EAC is the way todo it.

2. TT Dynamic Range Meter

We’ve written about compression and the loudness war foryears (see: CurrentTrend in the Recording Format Arena and CDCompression Depression for two examples), and we’re not alonein our frustration. The Pleasurize Music Foundation created TT Dynamic RangeMeter with the goal of fighting the over-compression of music. The programtells you the dynamic range of songs, so you can find out if you have justpurchased a quality recording or not. One fun use of DR Meter is to compare differentreleases of the same song or album. The program is incredibly easy to use,simply select the track or folder you want analyzed .. and that’s it. It takesa few seconds for the program to spit out a number telling you the dynamicrange of the album or track. It can also create a log file telling you thedynamic range of each individual track if you scan an entire folder. Accordingto their website, a DR of 7 “is low for rock music or very low for Jazz, [but]it is quite acceptable for electronic club music which has nowadays oftenvalues below DR4. All values above DR12 have generally a high dynamic quality.”

DR Meter Offline DR Meter Log Sheet

DR meter comes in two flavors, what they call an offlineversion (pictured above) and as a foobar2000 component. For those of you who are wondering what foobar2000 is, checkout our MusicPlayback Software Comparison. If you do decide todownload DT meter, we encourage you to sign up andsupport their campaign to end the loudness war.

3. Room EQ Wizard

Room EQ Wizard, or REW, was one of the original room andloudspeaker measurement systems available to the home theater enthusiast. Oncesetup properly, it’s a joy to use. Actually, I find it much more intuitive thanOmnimic, a costly alternative. REW is packed with useful features, the mostprominent being an SPL meter, RTA, waterfall plot, and spectrogram. REW canhelp you figure out the best placement for speakers, listening position, andacoustic treatments. Figuring out how to use all of the functionality packedinto REW can be a little tough at first, but there is a large online communityto provide support.

RoomEQ Wizard

Like we said, once up and running, REW is a powerfulpiece of software. However, getting it up and running can be difficult, andresults can be inaccurate depending on the quality of measurement equipment youare using. You will need to invest in a microphone, cables, tripod, andexternal soundcard (external soundcard is optional). You may also needsomething like the NadySMPS-1X phantom power supply for the mic, depending on thefunctionality of the soundcard you purchase. If you are willing to spend someextra time during setup and invest in decent quality measurement gear, you willbe rewarded. For people who want a more seamless experience, kits from Omnimic or XTZ(review in progress) come with everything you need and work right out of thebox with little to no setup.

4. Harman How to Listen

This is the only program we know of that is designed toimprove your critical listening abilities. Originally created to train Harmanemployees, it has been made available, for free, to the public. It’stechnically still beta, but it has been that way for a number of years, sodon’t expect an update anytime soon.

2 Band Test 24 Band Insane Test

The program works by asking listeners to identify how atrack has been manipulated. For example, the image above-left shows a verybasic Band ID exercise. The user can switch be an unaltered “flat” version ofthe song, and the modified “EQ” version. The goal is to identify which of thetwo Eqs shown is being applied, number 1 or 2. The tests become increasinglydifficult. Above-right is an image of the most difficult Band ID test theprogram has to offer. As you can tell, the tests become very difficult. Thereare a number of different training exercises, including reverb, coloration, andnoise. If you become tired of the tracks that come with the software, you caneven upload your own to demo.

5. Audio DiffMaker

Have you ever made a change to your system and wonderedif there was any actual change in the sound? Let’s say you just spent $3,800 perfoot on a Audioquest WEL Signature power cable,and you want to know if that made any difference, audible or not. That’s thepurpose of Audio DiffMaker. You record a reference track. This can be done with a mic to capture the actual sound output from your speakers, or using various other methods to capture the audio output from a device. Next, make the change inthe system, and then record a compared track. The software compares the twotracks and extracts the difference.

Diffmaker Screenshot

The designers (Liberty Instruments) went through a lot oftrouble to ensure accuracy. For example, it automatically accounts for samplerate drift and level differences, so the difference recording is only what hasactually changed between the two recordings. Anyway, that’s what they claim,and they seem to have taken all of the necessary steps to achieve that goal.Note that this system does not require your equipment be completely linear orof the highest quality, by its very design all of the characteristics of yoursystem are part of the reference and comparison recordings. Even though theconcept of Audio DiffMaker is simple, be warned that its actual implementationcan be difficult and time consuming. The two recordings need to be verycarefully taken so as to isolate only a single variable. Still, if you arereally into small system tweaks and DIY projects, this is a fun program to seeif each change makes a difference or not.

6. Audacity

Audacity has been around for a long time, and like someof the other software on this list, is opensource. Unlike the other software onthis list, which serve specific purposes, Audacity has a wide range of uses.Essentially, it’s a sound recording and editing program. It can record liveaudio or computer audio, and then be used to edit the recording. One of thecommon uses of Audacity is to record and edit podcasts, and is employed by AVrant podcast forthat very purpose. Quality is also key with Audacity. It can import and export WAV,AIFF, AU, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis files, and record at 24-bit depth and 192,000 Hzsampling rate (384,000Hz on OS X and Linux).

Audacityscreenshot

One of the reasons it made this list is because of a cool“show clipping” feature. The program will highlight red any portion of theaudio waveform that clips. Like DifMaker, this can be used to compare thequality of different tracks. The above screenshot shows a song from HDtracks’free sampler. The image below shows Dire Straits “Walk of Life” downloaded fromiTunes … notice any clipping?

ImageCourtesy of AVrant Podcast and their loyal listener John

Conclusion

We thoroughly enjoy using the software on this list, andhope you will too. We didn’t cover everything out there, so let us know whatyour favorite software is. Finally, we want to say a quick thanks to all of theindividuals who invest their time and effort into creating software that therest of us can use for free. Richard Stallman would be proud.