MP3 Encoders/Library software

[Vae]

I've been asked to recommend a decent program to rip CD's to MP3's for a friend. It needs to be fairly easy to use and if possible free. Any recommendations? I know there's a lot out there but which are the recommended ones?

I use Creative's own Media Source program as I have a Zen and my father uses Musicmatch jukebox which would do the job but isn't free.

As a side issue I'm using the Creative program to keep track of my music collection via it's music library functions and edit the ID3 tags but can anyone recommend a good alternative?

 

[Chilly]

Winamp + j = winner
(J is the button to insta-search the playlist on winamp, it is easily its best feature)

 

[sibanac]

http://www.exactaudiocopy.org/


Is as good as it gets

 

[xane]

iTunes ?

 

[pcg79]

CDex for the ripping

 

[xane]

Actually forget iTunes, use WMP 10 and set it to auto-rip when the CD is placed in the drive.

 

[Mazling]

I have used and would highly reccomend both http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm & http://www.windac.de/ ... though the latter hasn't been updated in quite a while and dbpoweramp has many plugins for converting to different audio formats, and is a just a bit friendlier in general. I'd reccomend dbpoweramp of the two.

 

[Panda On Smack]

CDEX for the win

 

[Clown]

EAC + Lame

 

[Munkey]

I use CDEX

 

[Embattle]

I used to use CDEX, but a little while ago I changed to EAC + Lame. Personally for keeping track of my music I just use WMP10.