To MP3 or not to MP3? - That is the question

[admin_exported]

Hello

To all who can help, I am after a definitive answer.

I have recently got myself 160gb ipod 7th gen. specifically to transfer my ever growing collection of cds. It will only be used through my hi-fi system. I never buy from itunes. I only upload my cds and download free mp3s from the net or from friends.

I am after the best sound quality at 320kbps. I would like to know which is best: 320 mp3 or 320 mp3 VBR?

Also, I have read that AAC is better than mp3. Therefore, is 320 AAC (VBR) better than 320 MP3 (VBR)?

I also transfer files to other PCs and other ipods. Do AAC files pose any problems here, such as DRM rights etc?

Many thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

AAC is better than MP3, and you'll have no issue with DRM. Though not all systems support AAC, and of course you should only be transferring your music to other machines you own

 

[idc]

Hi steve2232. Why do you want to restrict yourself to 320kbps? Is it space reasons, or have you tried comparison tests yourself and cannot tell the difference between 320 and lossless? (I struggle to tell the difference, but with Windows 7 it is easier than with XP) So for your hifi I would recommend that you use lossless.

I have also read that AAC is better than mp3, but also that Vorbis is better than both. Again, have you tried a comparison test? I got a file conveter and could not tell the difference.

Re transferring of files, there are file conveters such as dbpoweramp to do that. As for DRM rights, they are there for a reason and if you mean illegal file sharing, I have no answer for you

.

 

[manicm]

steve2232, you're using your iPod for serious hifi duty - ditch MP3 and go Apple Lossless, or even better IMO - AIFF - yes it uses a lot of space but the sound quality is worth it.

 

[idc]

The only definitive answer you are going to get is that lossless is better than mp3. That becomes more apparent the more revealing your hifi is and the more you listen and get used to the music. If you have been listening to loads of lossless and an mp3 is dropped in, it seems flat and poorly recorded.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for your reply Clare, but can you tell me whether AAC 320 VBR is better than AAC 320 CBR?
To the other replies, I know lossless is best. But until hard drives get bigger, I don't have the space on my ipod.

 

[idc]

You may not have space for every single album, but you can create a playlist and from that easily select what albums do sync with the ipod. My ipod is 80gb and my itunes has about 90gb on it.