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Best/Cheapest/Easist Way To Burn CD's?

I've heard audiophiles put down CDR's. I honestly don't know why burning a copy of a cd can yield something less than the original, but that appears to be the case based on what I've heard.

I'm looking for an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make copies of CD's that will yield EXACT COPIES. In my research, I was told that downloading "Exact Audio Copy" was a great approach, though I must say that after downloading it, I was completely baffled on how to use it effectively. I looked for instructions online, and only found 50 page PDF instructions. This is just beyond my ability (or more likely patience) to pull off.

So now I'm looking at stereo component cd recorders. I actually bought a Philips CDR785 for $400+ when it came out 8 or 9 years ago or so, and it worked like a charm for about a year or so before the burning part crapped out on me. I'd get it repaired, but I'd rather spend the costly repair money on a new machine.

Now, that said, am I really going to get a higher-quality burn from a Marantz as opposed to a cheaper Sony or other model? I'm not talking about a unit to play amplified music through for enjoyment, but JUST for burning/recording purposes.

What are people's experiences in this whole area? What's the least I can spend to get an exact copy without going insane trying to use complicated burning software? Is there a school of thought out there about computer burners vs. stand-alone stereo component cd recorders? Does the brand of cdr REALLY matter? Will any name brand do or does it have to be Matsui or some really expensive brand?

Any input would be gratefully appreciated? I need to buy something that will fit my criteria soon...
soulgoober
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,454 posts
 
Markphd,

Good point. The book is still open on the longevity of recorded CDs. I haven't had problems so far, but have only been doing it for 5-6 years now.

"Burning" in a lossless manner to file/server storage is an interesting approach as well, but there would be risk of losing the files somewhere down the road, I would think, unless they are also securely backed up to some media somewhere that the owner has unrestricted access to, like CD-Rs, so you are back to the issue of having persistent, accessible storage somehow or else you must trust others to preserve your stuff and always make it available for you as needed.
palmerston
24 posts
 
Use your computer to burn your cds. If you want to make an exact copy you can use a program from Slysoft called "Clone CD". Otherwise EAC, which I use, or dBpoweramp CD Writer, allows you to make compilations. Both work very well.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I bought a RCA double deck at Rat Shak 4 yrs ago but gave it away to a friend who helped me move, he didnt have a PC and it easy to use mine to rip and burn, I used Exact and although I dont understand it fully it works just fine.
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Ok, let me ask this question specifically then, since it's info I still haven't seen answered.

Is there a general audiophile school of thought of burning cd's via computer vs. burning cd's vs. stereo component burner? is there one that's better than the other in any way in terms of quality, or is it just personal preference?
semi
649 posts
 
Here is an EAC tip:

Go to drive option, select "secure mode" under "extraction method" tap. that's it, it should extract every single bit of info from your CD out.

I use EAC for copying, but use iTune for ripping to my computer. EAC can easily take over an hour to read a CD, can't afford that when I need to rip hundreds of CD.
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