Re-compressing or converting mp3s

[Overdose]

I think that I've asked this question before, but here we go again.

I have an iPod Classic 160GB and it will now no longer take any more music as it is full. My music is stored as ALAC files on my Mac mini and NAS and my laptop and iPod have 256 Kbps VBR mp3s.

My question is, if I further compress the 256 library to 192 to fit on the iPod, will there be any chance of creating a noticeable change in sound quality other than what might be possible to distinguish as a straight 192 rip from a CD?

I'm not convinced that at 192 Kbps AAC, I would be able to tell any difference from a lossless file in the first place, but in this instance, the files are being compressed further or re-compressed.

 

[AnotherJoe]

Compress from the origin ALAC to the new rate.

 

[jjbomber]

Have a listen on iRadio to Rock radio 1, as they broadcast at 192. Kbps. That will tell you standard and only you can then determine whether it is good enough or not.

Secondly, you can set the sync to 192 but keep the original files on your various PCs as ALAC. If you don't like the 192 sync, you can always sync again at the higher rate with less tracks on.

I have exactly the same problem. Incidently, I find that syncing from ALAC to a lower bit rate takes forever. I was about 36 hours last time a did a full sync, whereas it is about 2 hours when they are left at ALAC.

 

[Dave_]

Indeed.

Why re compress when you have the original ALACs.

 

[Overdose]

Have a listen on iRadio to Rock radio 1, as they broadcast at 192. Kbps. That will tell you standard and only you can then determine whether it is good enough or not.

Secondly, you can set the sync to 192 but keep the original files on your various PCs as ALAC. If you don't like the 192 sync, you can always sync again at the higher rate with less tracks on.

I have exactly the same problem. Incidently, I find that syncing from ALAC to a lower bit rate takes forever. I was about 36 hours last time a did a full sync, whereas it is about 2 hours when they are left at ALAC.

Ah yes, found it. Files deleted and auto re-synced at 192. It's largely academic really, as the library is too large to fit at 256.

Many thanks.

 

[Overdose]

I have exactly the same problem. Incidently, I find that syncing from ALAC to a lower bit rate takes forever. I was about 36 hours last time a did a full sync, whereas it is about 2 hours when they are left at ALAC.

Hmm, 36hours and then some I reckon.

Change of plan. I'm now using XLD to reconvert all files from ALAC to 192 VBR AAC. ALACs will still be for archiving and home use, the AACs for music on the go and generally carrying around.