HydrogenAudio

CD-R and Audio Hardware => CD Hardware/Software => Topic started by: audiophool on 2019-04-24 17:36:21

Title: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: audiophool on 2019-04-24 17:36:21
I know some posters here keep an old desktop PC around for ripping purposes. I did that as well but unfortunately, it has to go.

As my laptops don't have CD-ROM drives (no space for them, either), I'm stuck with using a portable device.

Now, I've got a Samsung SE-506 portable BD drive. Unfortunately, it's pretty horrible. Lots of incorrectible errors when ripping audio CDs with EAC (where the identical disk rips perfectly on another desktop PC). Also, the speed is reeeaally slow. Usually 2-3x, maximum around 4x.

So, to cut to the chase: Can you recommend me a better portable CD-ROM drive? It's only purpuse will be to rip audio CDs. I don't care whether it can burn CD-Rs, read BDs or whatever.
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: m14u on 2019-04-24 17:55:12
[...] a better portable CD-ROM drive?[...]
fulldemention PCdrive (anything you like) + usb-box (ide-usb or sata-usb). enjoy.
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: Porcus on 2019-04-24 21:36:59
As my laptops don't have CD-ROM drives (no space for them, either), I'm stuck with using a portable device.

Several laptops. If you either have one that is so new that it has a Thunderbolt USB-C (is that sufficient, anyone?) and can run it on a USB-C to SATA adapter - or one so old-fashion kind you would open to change RAM and have room for a second hard drive ... ?

Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: Roseval on 2019-04-25 13:16:15
Maybe this one is of help: https://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?37706-CD-DVD-Drive-Accuracy-List-2016
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: audiophool on 2019-04-25 15:37:40
Thanks for the suggestions! Both of my laptops have USB 3.0, one also has Thunderbolt 3 (with the USB type C connector).

I can certainly procure one of the better drives from the list referenced by Roseval. If I put that drive in a 3.5" HDD case which features SATA 2 or 3 internally and USB 3.0 or 3.1 externally, will the performance be just as good as if I use that drive internally (i.e., hooked up directly to one of the SATA ports of a desktop motherboard)?

EDIT: Would need a 5.25" case, of course.
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: 2tec on 2019-04-25 15:56:49
I'm using an external Asus USB SDRW-08D2S-U

https://www.asus.com/Optical-Drives-Storage/SDRW08D2SU/

works ok, don't know, is that considered portable?
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: Alessandro90 on 2019-04-25 17:10:33
Thanks for the suggestions! Both of my laptops have USB 3.0, one also has Thunderbolt 3 (with the USB type C connector).

I can certainly procure one of the better drives from the list referenced by Roseval. If I put that drive in a 3.5" HDD case which features SATA 2 or 3 internally and USB 3.0 or 3.1 externally, will the performance be just as good as if I use that drive internally (i.e., hooked up directly to one of the SATA ports of a desktop motherboard)?

EDIT: Would need a 5.25" case, of course.

Hi. Which enclosure are you going to buy? I’ve seen Vantec Nexstar have a lot of good reviews on ebay or amazon but they’re quite expensive. As for your question I don’t know, I’ve seen that there are different opinions about it. Maybe someone more informed could give you a better answer.
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: Alessandro90 on 2019-04-25 17:14:16
I'm using an external Asus USB SDRW-08D2S-U

https://www.asus.com/Optical-Drives-Storage/SDRW08D2SU/

works ok, don't know, is that considered portable?

Hi. I’m using the exact same drive. Of course it is considered portable. I have mixed feelings about it. Never had any problem with my cds, but I have to say that they’re almost all in good conditions, mostly mint or like new. On the other hand it is quite slow, it read caches (so it probably won’t last long).
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: majavira on 2019-04-25 22:02:30
https://www.amazon.com/Lite-Corporation-Optical-Drives-EBAU108-01/dp/B00AWS6CNY/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=liteon&qid=1556225055&s=gateway&sr=8-5

its a good drive. if you expect fast portable drive, forget it. all portable drives run as fast as 24x, thats all.
liteon have very good drives and you only need one usb cable, asus drives need two
you are using EAC to rip your cds, dont use secure ripping, use burst mode and test and copy ripping, at the end compare CRC values,  if the values are the same, you have a good ripping.
Title: Re: Portable USB CD drive for ripping with EAC
Post by: 2tec on 2019-04-26 01:15:15
liteon have very good drives and you only need one usb cable, asus drives need two

The Asus drive I have only uses one USB cable and comes with a short cable that has a USB pass through so it doesn't use up a port either.

I have mixed feelings about it. Never had any problem with my cds, but I have to say that they’re almost all in good conditions, mostly mint or like new. On the other hand it is quite slow, it read caches (so it probably won’t last long).

It does cache audio data, but I mostly use burst mode unless the rip isn't accurate so that doesn't matter as far as I know. It also doesn't detect C2 errors. Fortunately, I have a number of systems, one of which has a Plextor which is excellent at ripping CDs in poor condition.