What is the ruling on silently reciting the Qur'an along with the reciter from a recording?

Listening to a recording or a live reciter of the Quran outside of prayer is not obligatory. The verse from Surah Al-A'raf ( الاعراف): "So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention" (وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا) is specific to prayer. It is permissible to recite along with a reciter from a tape to perfect memorization or to learn Tajweed, but the best approach is to listen or to use a teaching Mushaf. Silent listening for contemplation or memorization is permissible, but it is not considered recitation and does not attain its virtues unless it involves vocalization. Listening with contemplation, contentment, and submission is an act of worship for which the listener will be rewarded.