What encoder/ripper (Windows 7)?

[roberto]

Going to start re-ripping my CD collection and wanted to know what encoder I should go with. I was using Nero 5, but looking towards Lame user software since I read that it is higher quality. I do need some clarifying though, what program is a good one to go with (CDex, EAC, etc.,)? I have Windows 7 and interested in converting my collections to 320 mp3s. and occasionally extracting .wav for CDs I borrow.

I have scoured the FAQs and DJTT forum as well as other websites regarding the encoder/bitrate issue and as you might understand my mind is now numb. Appreciate everyone's input. Also, I requested an article for this topic regarding comparisons/ set-up instructions/ et al...
Thanks for your feedback and help!

[sj03w4t]

With EAC (Exact Audio Copy) you can do what the name says: copy the cd EXACTLY to your HD. It stores it as .wav files on your PC which you can then convert to MP3 using LAME. The hydrogen audio wiki is a great place to start and look for EAC and LAME settings. Please note that EAC will take some time to rip your CDs! Depending on your drive of course but somewhere 15-30 minutes per CD is not at all slow..

Otherwise there might be solutions that offer less quality but also way faster handling, such as the Windows Media Player rip tool which can rip to .wav or .mp3. EAC+LAME is killer though and lame is broadly accepted as the encoder.

[roberto]

Thanks for the wiki link, it is very resourceful!

[BentoSan]

LAME encoder ftw