What I do is rip the CD into WAV (uncompressed original file) then convert it to FLAC using EAC. I keep both files. I then have the original WAV that I can always convert into any other compressed (lossy) file I made need. I ripped my 750 CD's 3 times before I decided to keep a WAV copy. Terabyte USB2.0 or 1394 drives are cheap enough today to do this, as well as have a backup of all files.
Re-ripping music collection to new iMac
Over time I have ripped approximately 400 CDs to my PC using WMP 8. Now I am considering the purchase of a new iMac dedicated to music. Would there be any audio advantage to re-ripping the CD collection using EAC or a higher level of WMP to the new iMac rather than simply transfering the stored data from the old PC (Windows 98) to the new iMac.
My hardcopy CDs are, in most cases, copies themselves that I burned from public libraries, friends CDs, etc.
My hardcopy CDs are, in most cases, copies themselves that I burned from public libraries, friends CDs, etc.