Scratch removal before ripping


Has anyone bought one of those tools that you load the CD into and it supposedly removes the scratches from the CD? I found a great store with used CD's that sells the CD's so cheap it's crazy...and they seem to have everything. I've been luck so far that none have been scratched but I'm sure it will happen soon.

So, if anyone has used this does it degrade the sound quality before ripping? I wouldn't think so but figured I would ask first.

Thanks
128x128jtwrace

Showing 1 response by robr45

Toothpaste is the perfect mild abrasive! I have been using it with good results for over 10 years- I apply it with my finger.

The reason an abrasive is neccessary is that the scratches create imperfections in the finishing coat of the disk. When the laser hits these imperfections it's beam gets reflected causing the pickup to error out.

Once the imperfections are smoothed out the laser has a clear shot at the data underneath the finishing coat. Not all scratches can be worked out but many can.