Which computer DVDrom is the best for ripping?

I've had very good success with Sony. they do have a sound of their own though, quite dynamic, full, and extended. recently I replaced as are you now, one of my sony's with an LG. The LG sounds quite good. Differing from the Sony with a somewhat more refined broadcast, yet as good sounding, but slightly different. Not as pulse pounding but a bit better sound stage recreation.

The key in ripping & burning is not as much the ROM drive, but the software you use. Slower speeds and error checking are the more important features.

I have always wanted to try a Plextor too, just never got around to it.

BTW... doing a firmware update to the LG DVD combo drive, something went haywire and it screwed up my other drive as well, a Sony - NEC unit called Optiarc... which also isn't terrible, and does burn very well... again, depending upon the software being used.... LG replaced their unit near immediately with their latest version of what I had... I've since refused to do further firmware updates at all.

The "if it ain't broke... don't fix it", philosophy seems best.

but it is the software more so than the drive IMO.

Using EAC, I actually misplaced my two drives once, repalcing the dead LG with the neweer one... and which ever drive was set to MASTER, was always the preffered EAC choice. Switching them back, the other unit was now the preffered EAC choice... maybe it's more than buffering... I don't know.

I did find that true on one other box I own as well... who ever is set as main/master, gets the nod by EAC.

My notes on the sound of the drives was via USB out to a BC DAC3 and my main system playing one against the other as one might play two CD box players using only one DAC.

I've entirely too much time on my hands. oddly though the ripped tracks do not cary the 'house' sound of the various romdrives...

The NEC Optiarc drive is not among my preffs for anything save DVD making, and due to it's price. ... and it came with the box... the LG firmware update killed it too.

One other thought is ensure the method your pc requires for connectivity.... some Plextor are IDE only... more new pcs are going away from ATA and using ESATA for greater sppeds. With DVD ripping and vurning this is a big deal, for CDs, not so much.

My input was based upon my own trials.. using various burn engines, software, and optical drives.

here's the thing, the posts above reflect very good answers and exp. Choose to either try these measures for yourself, or not. ripping even brand new discs can be a problem at times with almost any software or drive. Drop outs can result from nicks or scratches you may not be able to see.

...and then there's the q about just how meticulous each software is, with how many passes, samples, it uses to define a correct burn.

The EAC ware simply makes better copies than do most other rip & burn ware do. It's simple. by how much, or how much time and effort you wish to invest into seeing for yourself is key.

The drive, if new, and of decent build & brand name is not as Key. I'd however stay away from off brands for $20-$30 bucks is all. Combo drives are the deal now anyhow. RAM DVD isn't the most popular, but if you have a Panasonic DVD player, then it's a good choice for you presently.

Good luck.