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Best/Cheapest/Easist Way To Burn CD's?

I've heard audiophiles put down CDR's. I honestly don't know why burning a copy of a cd can yield something less than the original, but that appears to be the case based on what I've heard.

I'm looking for an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make copies of CD's that will yield EXACT COPIES. In my research, I was told that downloading "Exact Audio Copy" was a great approach, though I must say that after downloading it, I was completely baffled on how to use it effectively. I looked for instructions online, and only found 50 page PDF instructions. This is just beyond my ability (or more likely patience) to pull off.

So now I'm looking at stereo component cd recorders. I actually bought a Philips CDR785 for $400+ when it came out 8 or 9 years ago or so, and it worked like a charm for about a year or so before the burning part crapped out on me. I'd get it repaired, but I'd rather spend the costly repair money on a new machine.

Now, that said, am I really going to get a higher-quality burn from a Marantz as opposed to a cheaper Sony or other model? I'm not talking about a unit to play amplified music through for enjoyment, but JUST for burning/recording purposes.

What are people's experiences in this whole area? What's the least I can spend to get an exact copy without going insane trying to use complicated burning software? Is there a school of thought out there about computer burners vs. stand-alone stereo component cd recorders? Does the brand of cdr REALLY matter? Will any name brand do or does it have to be Matsui or some really expensive brand?

Any input would be gratefully appreciated? I need to buy something that will fit my criteria soon...
soulgoober
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,867 posts
 
Having heard many recordings created with many different recorders over the years, it's silly to put down CDRs in my opinion.

I've used a $600 Denon cd player/recorder for over 2 years now and can easily recommend this device without reservation as a way to achieve essentially perfect reproductions for very reasonable cost.

The Denon works reliably every time and the recordings sound every bit as good as the originals, even on my reference system.

I've also used computer-based CD recorders in the past....these were very much hit or miss.

Many audiophiles do not care for the sound of CDs compared to vinyl, for example, so its not surprising I suppose that many also would not take to CD recording.

I record mostly vinyl albums to CD-R. The result is essentially perfect reproduction of the sound of the vinyl but now on a CD. I can even now even have some of that vinyl sound that so many love in my car!

When recording from CD to CD, nothing is lost that I have ever been able to detect...and I am always listening for defects or imperfections in my recordings.

Shunning CD recording is really like looking a gift horse in the mouth, in my opinion.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,867 posts
 
The $600 Denon unit in my system makes perfect recordings every time. I can easily recommend it. I've used Fuji and Maxell CD-Rs with it for over two years and have never had any problem getting perfect recordings.
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Chandiz - you said you know of units as low as $79. Please do share what/where/how? Thanks muchly, and please continue to respond people as I'm appreciating the info I'm getting...
krelldog
311 posts
 
How about downloading a free version of i-tunes. Burn the CD into i-tunes and make your copy. Its also very easy to change the setting from MP3-to a wav copy. If you have a computer you have everything you need.
markphd
667 posts
 
There are plausible theories as to why recorded CDs sound better, not worse, than the original. I don't remember the technical explanation, but I remember reading about it in Stereophile about ten years ago. There's a fair amount of information on the topic. I often hear that recordable CDs don't have the longevity of regular CDs, but that relates to the phuysical disc, not the quality of the audio on it.
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