I have the same drive, feel the same way.
To be honest there are lot of factors which finally deliver the speed to the drive, like cpu strength etc.
All the numbers on Nero like 16x are not accurate, they never reach 16x ripping although it says.
Some liteon drives can be hacked, ASUS has no hacks as of yet to turn riplock off.
Even then it will not reach 16x all the time.

This particular drive was rated positive for it's quick access time and quietness.
Need a ripper stick to Liteon, but we are talking about a liveable difference in speed usually a minute or less off, my experience.