Hallo,
I always used the comparison ripper with Max. Until I got this MacBook Pro (Mid June 2009), the first few seconds sounds like my recording of Benny Goodman from 1938.
I tried Rip and after I turned off C2, I got perfect results not only by the log file but also by listening to them.
Since I switched completely to Rip, it is not bothering me anymore. I keep Max around for paranoia rips and converting files.