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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
22,970 posts
 
Soulgoober,

I would not think it possible to assert that either computer burning or stereo component burning is categorically better or worse. The technology required to do a good job is similar in either case and I'm sure there are devices that do a good job and others that do not do it so good on either side.

In general, a product from a company whose business is built around good sound quality rather than just software and hardware technology, should produce a good product in this category as well.

I chose the Denon based on the value, reputation of the company and stellar reviews it received by many on various web sites.

Generally, if see many positive reviews of a good value product by a good company, whose business is quality audio/video, like Denon, for example, you should be golden.
gonglee3
304 posts
 
Exact audio copy is not that hard to figure out - just put the CD you want to copy, and press on the "wav" button on the top left, and specify where to save the file.

If you ask any computer savy friend, he/she will be able to help you out with that.

There are better sounding CDRs to use as you mentioned - Taiyo Yuden is a good sounding one that's not expensive like Mitsui - although Mitsui gold sounds a little better to me.

Also, burn it at the slowest speed for better results.

By the way, how do you like your music now, with all new gears? I hope you are enjoying it.



chrismontez
8 posts
 
Well this interests me because I copy lots of cd's and I just use the Sonic DVD/CD burning program that came with my computer. I put the original cd in one drive, the blank in another, and make a direct copy of the cd. Since I am not ripping the cd to my computer, compressing files etc... I assume I am getting an accurate reproduction as long as the original is in good condition. Am I incorrect in this?
gonglee3
304 posts
 
Chris,

Might want to check this out...

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1171710271&openmine&zzGonglee3&4&5#Gonglee3
chrismontez
8 posts
 
Well I downloaded the software and came up with a dud as Fuerio can't recognize the cd writer in my 2 yr old Dell and I can't figure out how to configure them so that it does. I can rip copies using Exact audio, but then I have unusable wav. files that need to be converted to CD-A files. Does anyone have another suggestion other than buying software such as FX Magic Music?
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