I have used:
1) itunes to both a computer and external HD with an Apple Optical reade
2) dbPoweramp with same Optical ripper
3) Bluesound Vault
4) Melco ripper with Melco server
Truthfully, at least decent results with all. The best is the Melco. Not only do the rips sound great when replayed on the Melco but on other servers as well. Detail, open sounding, and a perfect rip every time
. The Vault would get the bottom score as occasional rip will have several seconds of error and there is a general lack of bloom and air around the instruments
I tunes sounded decent but was also error prone. dbPoweramp with an Apple ripper was an eye opener as the errors were eliminated and everything sounded more incisive. It is the best value for a tight budget. But man, that Melco…