ripping mp3 - need advice

[derek murray]

I am going to rip my CD collection to mp3 and would like some advice on what software people use and what bitrate seems to be have the best performance / file size. I intend to use the files on my computer at work, but will eventually use them on my hi-fi system at home - so quality is important.

[930addict]

I used iTunes to rip over 5k songs. It works very well. I used 128kbps.

[RickM]

A very powerful player/ripper is WinAmp Pro. For $20 you also get a very nice Library and Playlist interface...... http://www.winamp.com/player/product_overview.php

[arcsine]

I've got 6k+ songs ripped by iTunes. I used 192kbs and have no complaints.

[Mr_Wizard]

Many free programs that do an good job of ripping CD's, no reason to pay money for a program. I used Windows Media Player when i did mine.

[daepp]

3000+ with Roxio

[HardDrive]

ITUNES?!?!?! Give me a break......

DB poweramp

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/

I would not go less than 224k. Things that sound fine on a portable system sound damn flat on a decent sound system. Drive space is cheap.

[Phat Ham]

iTunes has an issue (at least it did with older versions. not sure about the latest) where it would create gaps between songs. Not a problem most of the time, but if you're ever ripping a cd where one track goes to the next without a break in the music when you play the mp3s back you'll hear a hiccup in the music.

[Rob Channell]

Exact Audio Copy

None of that DRM crap for me.......I already paid for the CD's.

[gprsh924]

itunes just changed their software so that there is gapless playback