2nd drive alongside Pioneer BDR-XD08TB - should I buy an LG BU40N, or an I-O DATA BDR-S16QZ/HA?

[Blu-Shield]

I need a Blu-ray drive for the following purposes:

• Ripping (more often):
  • Blu-rays
  • DVDs
  • Data CDs
  • Audio CDs
• Writing (less often):
  • M-Disc Blu-rays
  • Data DVDs
  • Audio DVDs
  • Data CDs
  • Audio CDs

I'm unlikely to ever rip Ultra HD Blu-rays or 3D Blu-rays.

Based on what I've read on these forums, it seems to me that I should use one drive for ripping DVDs/Blu-rays (and UltraHD / 3D Blu-ray, if I ever need to), and a separate drive for ripping CDs / writing anything (as well as ripping discs that failed to rip in the other drive), ideally with different firmware (LibreDrive for ripping DVDs/Blu-rays/UltraHD, official updated firmware for CDs/writing). Is this correct?

I've currently got a USB-powered Pioneer BDR-XD08TB, and I'm willing to buy a 2nd drive (it can be internal or external), if people think it would help. I've found several reliable online retailers selling rebranded LG BU40N USB drives. It also seems that I-O DATA has launched a new range of desktop Blu-ray drives (the "BDR-S16QZ/HA"), based on Pioneer's BDR-212 technology (see viewtopic.php?p=184921#p184921), available at https://www.iodata.jp/product/storage/e ... /index.htm (note that I-O DATA provides a disclaimer that translates to something along the lines of "The country of origin of the drive may be overseas", and I've read mixed reviews on these forums of Pioneer-branded drives manufactured in China - but those reviews were based off purchases from ebay or Amazon, not a major Japanese company like I-O DATA). How have people's experiences been with the I-O DATA drives? Would you recommend them over the rebranded LG BU40Ns?

Also, if I do buy a 2nd drive, which firmware/tasks should I run on my Pioneer BDR-XD08TB, and which firmware/tasks should I run on my LG BU40N / I-O DATA BDR-S16QZ/HA?

[Coopervid]

This is much too much to read. Post the Makemkv info of your drives.

[MartyMcNuts]

I need a Blu-ray drive for the following purposes:

• Ripping (more often):
  • Blu-rays
  • DVDs
  • Data CDs
  • Audio CDs
• Writing (less often):
  • M-Disc Blu-rays
  • Data DVDs
  • Audio DVDs
  • Data CDs
  • Audio CDs

I'm unlikely to ever rip Ultra HD Blu-rays or 3D Blu-rays.

Based on what I've read on these forums, it seems to me that I should use one drive for ripping DVDs/Blu-rays (and UltraHD / 3D Blu-ray, if I ever need to), and a separate drive for ripping CDs / writing anything (as well as ripping discs that failed to rip in the other drive), ideally with different firmware (LibreDrive for ripping DVDs/Blu-rays/UltraHD, official updated firmware for CDs/writing). Is this correct?

I've currently got a USB-powered Pioneer BDR-XD08TB, and I'm willing to buy a 2nd drive (it can be internal or external), if people think it would help. I've found several reliable online retailers selling rebranded LG BU40N USB drives. It also seems that I-O DATA has launched a new range of desktop Blu-ray drives (the "BDR-S16QZ/HA"), based on Pioneer's BDR-212 technology (see viewtopic.php?p=184921#p184921), available at https://www.iodata.jp/product/storage/e ... /index.htm (note that I-O DATA provides a disclaimer that translates to something along the lines of "The country of origin of the drive may be overseas", and I've read mixed reviews on these forums of Pioneer-branded drives manufactured in China - but those reviews were based off purchases from ebay or Amazon, not a major Japanese company like I-O DATA). How have people's experiences been with the I-O DATA drives? Would you recommend them over the rebranded LG BU40Ns?

Also, if I do buy a 2nd drive, which firmware/tasks should I run on my Pioneer BDR-XD08TB, and which firmware/tasks should I run on my LG BU40N / I-O DATA BDR-S16QZ/HA?

Let's put it this way. Pioneer are the superior readers and writers. If you need to write to a disc, use the Pioneer. Pretty much any other "brand name" drive will be fine for ripping CD/DVD/BD discs and the next best drive that isn't a Pioneer would be the LG BU40N. Don't even look at the Archgon as they can no longer be flashed if you ever needed to. There are also some ASUS models floating around that may still contain a Pioneer drive inside. These would also be good.