I plan to soon start backing up my music CD collection. I previously thought making "bit-perfect" copies was a relatively easy proposition, but after perusing some of the threads here I'm not so sure. Here is my equipment and plan of attack, please advise if there is anything I should do to obtain better copies:

CD-R drive: Plextor Plexwriter 48/24/48U, firmware 1.05
Source drive: Toshiba XM-7002B CD-ROM in an IBM notebook, Windows 2000
Media: Maxell CD-R Pro
Software: Roxio Easy CD Creator 5 Basic, updated to latest version. Will mainly use the Disc Copier function, and also the Easy CD creator for a couple of compilations.

The Plextor will typically vary write speed 4-10x while using Disc Copier (I set at 20x max), the limited audio read speed of the notebook drive seems to be the limiting factor in speed.

I haven't seen Roxio mentioned here, is it shunned for some reason? Should I use different software, maybe Plextor's program that came bundled with the drive? Should I only use the Plextor, copying data to the HD first? Copies I've made in the past with Roxio Disc Copier behave exactly like the originals, and seem to sound the same. However, I haven't subjected them to critical A/B testing, and I wonder about things like jitter (not sure if that's something I can hear). Thanks!

If you want the "BEST" copies, you will need to use either Plextools, or EAC.... plextools would be the favorite for your drive. Are you going to archive them to MP3 or just make regular backups?

(in reply to Rimbaud)

Just straight backups, I live an MP3-free lifestyle!

I popped in the Plextools disc that came with the drive, the 2 options (besides the already installed Roxio) are Oak SimpliCD and Plextor Liquid Player+. Is the the Liquid Player the one you are recommending?

Edit: I now realize that there is a specific application called PlexTools, which did not come with my drive. The Plextor website has a software update for PlexTools Pro, but not a stand-alone version. A sticky on the Plextor forum claims this software is only available in Europe. Is it possible for me to legally obtain PlexTools?

(in reply to Rimbaud)

Plextools Pro will not work with your specific writer, but get ahold of regular Plextools.

If this is not feasible, get a copy of EAC it's (FREEWARE) and is the most "awesome" program for ripping audio CD's and making perfect backups.... if you need further assistance, post here, and I'll send you some links...

(in reply to Rimbaud)

I checked out the EAC website, I may go with that one. I couldn't find the non-Pro Plextools, if you have a link I'll check it out and weigh my options. Thanks for your help so far.

(in reply to Rimbaud)

I think all that is available now is the PlexTools upgrade to Pro, you should have received PlexTools on a CD with your drive.

(in reply to Rimbaud)

Checked again just to be shure: the CD that came with the drive is "PlexWriter Software, Rev. 2.02." No Plextools on it. I bought this drive new last year, and I'm now a bit miffed with Plextor for not including this software. Looks like I'll be moving forward with EAC.

(in reply to Rimbaud)

Nice thought, anyway...

(in reply to Rimbaud)

EAC will not disappoint you... It is a great piece of software, and I have been using it for years.

(in reply to Rimbaud)