Why does the recording sound better?

Rpg, CDP cannot read each sector multiple times since it is operating in real time. Small errors like scratches up to 4mm along the track will be corrected while scratches longer than 8mm will be audible (pops). Between 4 and 8mm player interpolates missing data (thanks to Cross Interleaved Reed-Solomon error correction code).

When you read music CD as data, drive reads each sector multiple times until it gets right checksum. This process will eventually make CD-R or server file copy that plays better (without interpolation) than original CD.

There should be very little difference on brand new CDs without scratches or fingerprints, but it might be audible on older, less than perfect CD. Important is to use ripping program that reads CD as data. I use MAX for Mac with "Do not allow to skip" option set.

I thank all who responded to this post, I think I now understand why my recordings sound better. Using the gold color back of the lightscribe copy of the original may have helped. I am now wondering, does anyone have a suggestion as to the best media to use for backing up? What manufacturer and what type of CD disk?? Thanks!
Rpg

The most efficient backup would be hard drive. I also use Tayio Yuden CD-R. They invented CD-R. Another great, but expensive, is Mitsui Gold.

i find that the recording sometimes is preferred , sometimes the original sounds better.

also, iy depends upon what "better" means.

I have seen "green mats" around $35 that you place on top of your CD that are claimed to improve the sound of your CD by allowing the laser in your CD drive to improve the focus of the laser and not shine through the CD, maybe this is why my lightscribe disk backup sounded better. Is this snake oil or is there anyone out there who has used such a tweak with success? Lastly, I inspected my CD collection and some of the disks are black and you could not see through them when held up to the light, I was able to clearly see through the other disks in my collection with the LightScribe copies being less transparent. Thoughts - Thanks! Rpg