Getting a portable version of CD music collection
<p>I own hundreds of original music CDs.  I purchased them all at major retail stores.</p>

<p>I want to listen to them when I workout.  But hundreds of music CDs will not fit in my pocket.</p>

<p>I've looked into "ripping" them into MP3, OGG, or FLAC files, but the process is incredibly tedious and takes a very long time.  Doing this for my entire collection of CDs will take weeks of my time.  Such intensive use of my CD drive may also burn it up.</p>

<p>I want the audio quality to match the quality of my CDs.</p>

<p>Is there a <strong>LEGAL</strong> way in the USA to accomplish my goal of making my CD collection portable?</p>

<p>I would like this to be free (I already paid for the CDs), but I am willing to spend $50 if necessary.  I am not interested in services requiring a monthly or annual fee unless it is nominal (under $10 per year).  I am also willing to discard, recycle, or send to the publishers all my original CDs if that is required by law.</p>

<p>Only my perception.... </p>

<p>I believe you have 2 <em>legal</em> options.</p>

<ol>
<li>Rip the CDs to the format that you want for personal use</li>
<li>Purchase the music again in the format (MP3, etc.) that you want</li>
</ol>

<p>I don't know of any other <em>legal</em> options. </p>

<p>I went through the same things several years ago.... spent a couple weeks swapping CDs and ripping everything myself. Although time consuming and tedious, it's not like it has to be done overnight. Take your time, rip a few a day or a few a week. Eventually you'll have them all ripped. And when complete, you shouldn't ever have to do it again (provided you have backup methods in place).</p>

<p>You should be thankful that ripping is even an option rather than dreading it. With previous delivery method changes (LP then 8-track then cassette then CD) the <em>only</em> option was to repurchase. I lost track of how many times I purchased the <em>same</em> thing to use a new "player". Although, admittedly, the 8-track thing was a bit before my time.</p>

<p><strong>Please be aware:</strong> I am not now and have never been an attorney or legal professional.</p>

united-states copyright music