I don't have any RF demod like dark_jedi mentioned. That's only needed for ripping AC3 tracks, and we don't need no stinkin' SE LDs ;)
I still use the same soundcard since page1 of this thread: make M-Audio, model Audiophile2496.
Device driver software and the recording applet are ALSA.
After recording three takes, I use shntool to compare them and make sure they're all three identical (not TOOT).
shntool is one of those things that once you've discovered it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without.
Although you're not expected to remember, I did already mention my player in captainsolo's thread
It's a CLD-S201 bottom-feeder . . . that's got it where it counts.
fly-boy said:
I've made a lot of special modifications myself
I'd love to show pictures of my hack job, but
a) don't have a camera
b) afraid vbangle might laugh at my soldering skilz ;)
This is not my pic but it give you an idea what I did. Mine looks worse.
Now let me tell why my .NFO file contain no equipment list. I didn't forget to include it.
I omitted it on purpose because IT DOESN'T MATTER!
This is the essence of what bit-perfect means.
If you and I both rip the same disc, then we should expect exactly the same result even if we used different equipment.
Bit-perfect is hardware-independent.
Doesn't mean any hardware is capable of doing it, but any capable hardware should give the same result.
That's quite different from analog capture (audio or video) where equipment can make all the difference in the world.
Back on topic of ESB pressings, I own these:
(chronological)
1425-84 = analog only
SF148-1242 = Special Collection (JSC)
1425-85 = Pioneer Video, Inc. (PVI)
1425-84 = re-issue by Mitsubishi with diGital SOUND added (*)
1425-85 = re-issue by Technidisc
(*) It has digital sound, but might also have CX-encoding applied, which would be a mastering error. Analog tracks often use CX, but digital shouldn't. So we would need some CX decoder software, if such a thing exist.
Credit SilverWook for offering that hypothesis earlier in the thread.