I usually use iTunes or wmp and encode my cds into 160kbps

i use real player

I haven't decided. My CD collection is still unconverted.

I don't want to regret my choice.

I use WMP for ripping my CD's (to 320 kbps), but use MediaMonkey to convert my flac's & wav's to MP3 (320 kbps as well).

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iTunes, but I use AAC instead of MP3
[Edited 5/4/08 5:12am]

Cinnie said:

You can get bit-exact copies of CDs if you use Exact Audio Copy or dBpowerAmp to rip to a lossless codec such as WavPack or FLAC.

Once you have the lossless files, you can convert them any time to any other format you like - MP3, M4A, OggVorbis, etc.

Rip to lossless - you'll be glad you did.

Magix mp3 converter.

Great wav editor too.

AlexdeParis said:

Same here... I wish I knew the exact difference between all these shits. When I play from my ITunes library they don't sound great but I always figured it was my shitty Dell speakers


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[Edited 5/4/08 15:52pm]

CalhounSq said:

You're right, it's likely your speakers.

MP3 files in 192kbps and AAC files in 128kbps is the point at which in double-blind tests people, including some sound professionals, couldn't accurately decipher the difference between a CD and its compressed brethren.

Of course those tests weren't conducted over high-end loudspeakers or $600 headphones, in which case almost anyone could tell that the MP3 falls apart.

But my AAC files in either 128kbps or 256kbps (or MP3s at 192/320) sound great over quality mid-range equipment ($600 to $5000) on my computer, in my car and on my home entertainment system.

But they'll always be the audiophile that still notes a difference between the cello solo at 2:15 of this one song on his or her $25,000 system that breathes sonic brilliance.

Simply put, people spending that much money shouldn't be messing with compression formats.

But worrying about sound perfection with "shitty" dell speakers that they probably manufactured for $3.98 is a waste of time.

You're sound is likely very good (not audiophile quality, but very good). You just need better playback equipment and you'll be blown away.

The really ironic part of all this is that probably only 1 to 5 percent of the population has ever unlocked the true power of their CDs.

So someone is actually bragging about CD quality over MP3/AAC while playing their CDs over a $20 portable player with $20 headphones.

You could be listening to the greatest recording source ever devised and it would still sound horrible given this setup.

Oh yeah, and I use mostly iTunes now to convert.

And to throw in yet another variable, I've heard some of the MP3 garbage at Prince's official site that was supposedly recorded at 192/256/320kbps that I still couldn't get loud enough on my fairly good quality Car stereo with 10 speakers and 650 watts.

That stuff was just weak.

But I've never had that problem with iTunes conversions to either 128kbps or 256kbps AAC files.

CalhounSq said:

Brendan did a good job summing it up in his post, but I'll try to be even more succinct. Basically, AAC is the successor to MP3. The benefit to AAC over MP3 (for most people) is that you can get better sound quality at equal bit rates (or equal sound at lower bit rates). The down side is that AAC is not as common/compatible as MP3. I like having my songs at the lowest comfortable bit rate so I can fit as many as possible on my iPhone.

Brendan said:

WOW, thanks for the info! I may have to get some decent speakers on this thing

I'd always looked forward to playing my ITunes library on my home theater via Tivo (connects to my wireless network to access ITunes playlists I create) but it's always given me problems, probably b/c my computer is old. There's always something, isn't there?

AlexdeParis said:

Yea, I noticed that when I had a few mp3 & wav format files - the wav's are HUGE & the mp3's only slightly bigger, but I wanted them as small (& good sounding) as possible

I put a cd into a cd walkman . Iam very lazy and hate converting files etc..., and then spending time sorting them into artist, title, which is what I would have to do if I got an MP3 player.

Will get one eventually though. The poor sound doesn't bother me, as I would only use it on the bus. I got good hi-fi for my actual cd's

thesexofit said:

If you have to sort them into "artist" & "title" categories yourself, you got the wrong mp3 player

& ripping them is so easy - just do it while you're doing other things around the house

CalhounSq said:

? I dont see a major problem with my cd walkman really. If I exercised outdoors then I would (cd would jump), but otherwise?

I use the "if it ain't broke..." mentality. That and Iam lazy.