Ripping CD's - Bypassing Computer CD Player

Quality of computer CDP has nothing to do with it. Get good ripping software like MAX or XLD for Mac or EAC for Windows. Ripping program reads CD as data instructing CDP to re-read given sector multiple times until proper checksum is obtained. MAX (free) that I use allows to set number of attempts. I set it to "Do not allow to skip" that will guarantee that extracted data is identical to original CD. Some ripping programs even allow you to compare overall CD checksum with database.

CDP operates differently - most of them cannot read the same sector twice because they operate in real time. For small scratches within 4mm along the track they error correct it, between 4-8mm they interpolate missing sector and skip for scratches longer than 8mm.

Also notice, that ripped CD is stored on HD as data (no timing).

Dts, Digital files can sound different in spite of being "bit perfect". The main and only reason for that is jitter - a variation in time that converts into noise. Jitter creates sidebands that are at very low level but still very audible since not harmonically related to the signal. Jitter is a main problem of digital playback. It can be generated by the source, digital cable or the DAC itself. It is pretty much system dependent.

Knghifi, I cannot hear the difference between different
formats or sources but it might be related to jitter
suppression in my DAC. Jitter might be related to amount of
electrical noise in the system making it difficult to
compare since this noise is changing. Radio stations have
to cut power at certain time, possibly at 6PM by FCC rule
(since propagation at night is much better). Testing one
file vs identical file before and after 6PM could result in
different sound.

Dtc, It is possible that decompressing or compressing file
that is being played somehow affects the timing but once
files played have the same checksum they have to sound the
same no matter how many times converted before. Badly
fragmented HD wouldn't change the timing since timing is not
attached yet (it is data) while HD is at least 1000x faster
than necessary to deliver this data (while data goes thru
buffers) but might possibly change amount of electrical
noise drive produces. It is far fetched but I've learned
not to question what other people can or cannot hear
especially when younger and/or musicians (trained ears).

In the Absolute Sound article I mentioned, the authors said the sound go worse the more times files were converted, even if they ended up bit identical. I will say, they did get a lot of push back on that topic. However, others do report similar experiences. But, hey, if people believe they hear differences, that is up to them.

Perhaps authors are members of mentioned AA?