current best DVD-ROM model?

[spiffy]

Hi everyone,

I am building a new system, and I'd like to add a DVD-ROM for reading/ripping purposes to save wear and tear on my burners. I've had fairly good luck with Lite-On DVD-ROM drives in the past; but it's been a while since I've bought a new one. Is Lite-On still my best bet? Speed is not as much of a factor as the ability to read accurately. (I think the current model is SOHD-16P9S*; my last purchase was an XJHD166.) I realize there are fewer and fewer ROM drives out there now, so I don't have that many choices...

Any suggestions on brands and model numbers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Spiffy

[budz]

The latest Liteon model should be fine but with the cost of dvd burners so cheap these days you might as well buy a dvd burner. Most newer dvd burners can rip dvd discs faster than dvd-roms. Especially if you use MEDIA CODE SPEED EDIT. I know the Pioneer 111 series dvd burner you can remove the riplock by using MCSE. Take a look at MCSE. Personally I don't use MCSE since my BENQ dvd burners, TOSHIBA & LITEON dvdroms are fast enough for me. I've bought all my TOSHIBA & LITEON dvdroms from EBAY.

https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=MediaCodeSpeedEdit

[samijubal]

The Pioneer 111 isn't riplocked to start with, at least the 111D isn't.

[CrayonEater]

I'll second what Budz said. I don't use DVD-ROMs in system builds anymore. With Tigerdirect selling NEC 3550a's for $20 after rebate, you'd be hard-pressed to find a ROM cheaper than that. And even $30-$32 at other places for normal prices isn't bad for the convenience and peace of mind of a second burner.

BTW, the NEC is an outstanding drive as is, and it's even better with the Liggy's 1Y6 firmware.