I just want to add that you don't need special ripping software. Just clean your CD's carefully and meticulously before ripping. If possible also clean the CD-

I just want to add that you don't need special ripping software. Just clean your CD's carefully and meticulously before ripping. If possible also clean the CD-ROM player lens using a cotton swab wrapped in non-abrasive lens tissue (available at photographic stores) and dipped in lens cleaning fluid. Check that your ripping software doesn't do any other processing. For example the 'freac' ripping software has an "Enable Signal Processing" menu item which should be turned off.