Which rip program (Windows xp)
EAC with LAME.

Will the Empeg Play Flac, Apr, Ogg
No, unless you run the 3.0 alpha. However, that alpha is still too unstable to use every day. For you, I recommend that you do NOT try to use the alpha. So, stick with version 2.0 final and play MP3s for now.

Best settings for the Best quality ??
Alt preset extreme, or alt preset insane.

is the Empeg really 4 channle out
No. It is like any other car stereo. It is stereo left and right. The fader controls how far forward or backward the sound of the four speakers is balanced, but the output is the same for front and rear.

In other words, if you're looking for surround sound, go buy a home theater system.
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Tony Fabris