I have a few questions about audio cds and the quality surrounding them:

1. When you burn an audio cd using a computer, does it lose sound quality when compared to the original?

2. When you burn an audio cd using a home deck, at high speeds, does it lose audio sound quality when compared to the original?

3. Is a Japan pressing of a cd better (quality wise) than a US pressing of the same cd? Especially if it is a first pressing from the master tapes.

I have read several things and they all say that no quality of the cd is lost when copying as long as your CD-R is of good quality and not cheap. But how can this be? How can it lose no quality whatsoever?

4. What is the best audio cd player on the market? I am talking about a home deck. Are there differences? How and why?

1. If it’s done properly, no. There may be some small read and write errors, but if the copy&burn is done properly, then they will not be noticeable.
2. No, it shouldn’t, but as with above, I can’t say that’s the case with all decks and all CDs. If it’s done properly, there will be no difference in perceived quality.
3. If they’re done from the same master tapes, then I’d say no.

Because digital signals are much easier to record and copy than analog signals. Rather than having to perfectly replicate a complex analog signal, the equipment is just copying a series of ones and zeroes.

Think of it like copying a drawing versus copying a letter. To copy the drawing, you have to carefully trace it, or try to draw it freehand on your own. And in both cases it won’t be exactly like the original. But to copy a page of writing, you just repeat the words. It doesn’t matter than your handwriting is different from the author’s; it still has exactly the same meaning.

If there is one objective answer to that question, it would be much too expensive. If your connection between the CD deck and your amp is analog, then there’s a world of difference from deck to deck. But if the connection is digital (e.g. Toslink or coax) then there’s not so much difference.

Agree with NRen2k5 for 1. and 2. on the quality issues.
Most bad copies of CDs come from poor quality blank disks being used, or disks with a fault from manufacture, or low quality or poorly maintained optical drives.

Burning copies at high speed can increase the chance of errors. I know a lot of people prefer to limit the burn speed to reduce that risk.

I don't have a clue about question 3, and question 4 is so open to personal opinion that it would be impossible to say
There are always differences between quality of audio equipment - how much money, time and care is spend on the componentry is going to change the quality. As a general rule, you get what you pay for... but you can take this to the nth degree and spend an absolute fortune on audio equipment, with diminishing returns.
Generally "best" means that it is the best for you, fitting a range of quality, budget and practical needs.

Can you suggest what would be a good brand and model of CD player/recorder. I am looking for a deck for home use that has two cd trays and has the ability for high speed dubbing if i choose so. Any good brands and models? i dont want to spend more than $600.

Also, what are some of the better quality CD-R's? I wouldnt use CD-RW. It would be a one time shot. What are the best brands and types for the money spent?

I would just use a CD drive in a computer. If I recall correctly, CD Recorders require special media on which an additional tax is imposed. There isn't that much difference in major brands of blanks but I use Verbatim.

Where in heck is this at? And where are these media's at and how much?

The so called 'Audio' CDR format. a lot of standalone recorders here in the states require them. See: http://www.ioproducts.com/digaudcdrmed.html for instance.