Exact Audio Copy is by far the best CD-ripping utility available for recording bit-for-bit perfect audio from CDs. For burning CDs, you can go with the mass-market burners like Nero, CD Creator, etc. Pros use CD Architect from Sony Media Software (formerly Sonic Foundry) to burn Red Book audio master CDs. This application allows you to professionally edit the uncompressed audio files before committing them to a CD-R.
Equally important is the CD-RW drive you use. Yamaha's CRW-F1 has the best performance using their "Audio Master" technology for reliably burning CD-Rs and reducing jitter noise.
