Ripping CDs: best file format?

[Eddie H]

Really basic question here, from a starter: I'm about to start moving my CDs to a NAS, and wonder what is the best file format to use? Since CDs are only recorded in 16-bit (I hear - not thinking about streaming higher res, just CDs), is there any difference between basic WAV and higher-res file formats? If there is, which format would you recommend - and can you also recommend software for ripping CDs to this format? Many thanks -

 

[RobinKidderminster]

FLAC - plenty of free rip software

 

[jjbomber]

and can you also recommend software for ripping CDs to this format? Many thanks -

EAC -Exact Audio Copy.

dBpoweramp CD Ripper.

Whichever you are the more comfortable with, as they both do an excellent job.

 

[The_Lhc]

DbPoweramp ripping to 16-bit 44kHz Flac, supports full tagging unlike wav.

 

[Dom]

DBPoweramp FLAC.

 

[Gray]

Is what I used to rip around 1,000 Cds - the main reason I bought my first ever computer.

Unless you're not bothered about such things, you may find that checking / correcting metadada and finding / tagging the highest resolution cover artwork to the files, will take considerable effort - the sort of effort you'll only want to put in once, so however you choose to do the rips, back them up.

(Several months and about 700 discs in, I wondered if anyone had ever lost the lot at that stage and if so how they avoided killing themselves)

 

[Q5]

Another one for dBpoweramp ripping to FLAC.

 

[Alec]

DbPoweramp is a paid prog, mind. But it can copy to multiple formats in one go which you may or may not find handy.