I have had rather mixed results; I have tried CD-DA, HyCD and Audio Catalyst.

This is was carried out on NT 4, Dual PPro @ 200MHz, Plextor 32TSi.

CD-DA had trouble ripping from the disk drive, and every mp3 produced had popcorn and breaks. I did not listen to the sound quality as a result; I was more concerned with trying to get the thing to rip properly, without success. I gave up and de-installed it.

HyCD does not operate with NT, so I tried it on an alternative machine with Win 98; trouble is, since it only has a 2X SCSI multi-drive, it took ages to rip any tracks. I decided that I really was not into waiting that long (patience....)

Finally, I installed Audio Catalyst, it worked, so I registered it and I have been (with only a few odd problems) ripping successfully ever since.

I did compare a couple of tracks between the HyCD and Catalyst; I am personally unable to discern any audio quality difference between tracks ripped on each package.

Given that RealAudio have bought Xing Tech for the MP3 technology, and Diamond have invested in them too, then my money goes (has gone) with Xing/Audio Catalyst.