Alternative to iTunes for ripping music?

[Concillian]

Okay, I just tried CDex and ripped one of my CDs, but it still sounds pretty flat.  I did not use LAME though.  Could this be why?

Can anyone walk me through installing LAME?
[right][snapback]99123[/snapback][/right]

Download LAME:
http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?...e_Compiles

There is no 'installer' for LAME, it is a command line encoder. Just extract the files to a directory.

Then Download and install EAC:
http://www.exactaudiocopy.org/

The way to use LAME with EAC is to go into the Compression options and set it up for third party, then point it to LAME. I don't have the program in front of me right now, but I think it's pretty straightforward.

There is a list of reccommended command line options here:
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=28124

My command line options are based on the 3.90 version, not 3.97 (came out fairly recently), so try the options in the link provided instead.

Be sure to setup EAC so you can connect to the CD database. Alt-G is the keyboard shortcut for getting CD info.

I haven't tried CDex since switching to EAC, but in my opinion, EAC runs rings around CDex in terms of functionality. Some people still like CDex. Regardless of which ripping interface you choose, LAME is the codec to use. I'm pretty sure CDex can be configured for a 3rd party codec as well.