Which computer DVDrom is the best for ripping?

Using EAC, I actually misplaced my two drives once, repalcing the dead LG with the neweer one... and which ever drive was set to MASTER, was always the preffered EAC choice. Switching them back, the other unit was now the preffered EAC choice... maybe it's more than buffering... I don't know.

I did find that true on one other box I own as well... who ever is set as main/master, gets the nod by EAC.

My notes on the sound of the drives was via USB out to a BC DAC3 and my main system playing one against the other as one might play two CD box players using only one DAC.

I've entirely too much time on my hands. oddly though the ripped tracks do not cary the 'house' sound of the various romdrives...

The NEC Optiarc drive is not among my preffs for anything save DVD making, and due to it's price. ... and it came with the box... the LG firmware update killed it too.

One other thought is ensure the method your pc requires for connectivity.... some Plextor are IDE only... more new pcs are going away from ATA and using ESATA for greater sppeds. With DVD ripping and vurning this is a big deal, for CDs, not so much.

Blindjim: When playing a disc in real time through a computer drive there is a clock to the signal of course, so then I fully understand that there is an audible difference. No placebo needed! Thanks for clearing that up.

I think the general recommendation ought to be Plextor. In the grand scheme of things the extra money is rather insignificant, and getting a proper bit-perfect rip once and for all is certainly worth the small additional cost.

If you get read errors in EAC and the CD looks unscratched, you've got a problematic drive and should consider an upgrade. If only visually beat-up discs give you problems, you might want to repurchase the CD instead.

I really like my outboard Lacie w/firewire. Great, accurate, noise free, bloody fast rips.

"Blindjim is however entirely correct in that good ripping software is key"

Why? I do not understand this beyond having damaged discs. If you are getting the information to file, isn't it all the same whether you use eac or windows media player or whatever?

My input was based upon my own trials.. using various burn engines, software, and optical drives.

here's the thing, the posts above reflect very good answers and exp. Choose to either try these measures for yourself, or not. ripping even brand new discs can be a problem at times with almost any software or drive. Drop outs can result from nicks or scratches you may not be able to see.

...and then there's the q about just how meticulous each software is, with how many passes, samples, it uses to define a correct burn.

The EAC ware simply makes better copies than do most other rip & burn ware do. It's simple. by how much, or how much time and effort you wish to invest into seeing for yourself is key.

The drive, if new, and of decent build & brand name is not as Key. I'd however stay away from off brands for $20-$30 bucks is all. Combo drives are the deal now anyhow. RAM DVD isn't the most popular, but if you have a Panasonic DVD player, then it's a good choice for you presently.

Good luck.