What bit rate do you use?

[Lastcallhall]

Rip everything to FLAC, then convert to MP3 as needed.

I keep all my FLAC files on a 1TB External HDD, make CD copies of them, then re-encode the FLAC files to 192k mp3 for my iPod. Makes the most sense to me.

[TmEE]

That's a laugh considering Metal will always sound like Metal. That's the dumbest thing I've heard you say.

I should have said Melodic metals... there's a load of metal that I don't listen whatsoever, and majority of metal is that kind I don't listen...

Some jazz makes rather creative use of percussive instruments aswell.

[TheRollingStoner]

Rip everything to FLAC, then convert to MP3 as needed.

I keep all my FLAC files on a 1TB External HDD, make CD copies of them, then re-encode the FLAC files to 192k mp3 for my iPod. Makes the most sense to me.

This is what I do, except I usually use 320kb/sec for my ipod. (At least with live shows.)

[N.Saibot]

Lossless only here, be it FLAC, WV or standard WAV. APE... has grown old. The decoding process is ridiculously slow compared to the others, and the size difference between APE and the other encoders has been growing shorter.

It is my belief that music should be stored using the best methods available, hence why my vinyl collection has been steadily growing with time. Seriously, guys, forget this whole digital faggotry, go analogue. :P

cool, so there are at least two of us here. Me listen to vinyl for some time already.
Nothing beats a good needle on a clean record!

[TmEE]

*embraces his studio recorded reels*

[N.Saibot]

Well, TmEE has a point there. I need to rephrase that.

"No consumer format beats a good needle on a clean record"


Is that OK now? : D

[E.J.]

I was thinking of using a 192kb bitrate. I COULD technically go for either 256 or 320kb. Am I really missing out on anything with a lower bitrate? How much of a sound degradation is there with 192kb, versus, say 256 or 320?

If your going with MP3s, and you're already over the most common IMO bitrate 160kbps, I go with 192kbps @ VBR.

If you use iTunes at all, use 'AAC' audio, or the iTunes 'M4A' equivalent, as your lossy format of choice. You'll get better quality at the same bitrates, and it's compatible with iTunes.

[evildragon]

iTunes doesn't do AC3. It's AAC, very different.. AC3 is Dolby Digital.

[E.J.]

Whoops... you'd be correct, and that's what I meant.

[Pulstar]

Since AAC is by far the better lossy codec (We can debate Vorbis' merits but where's the support dammit?) is Nero's encoder better than iTunes or the other way around? What are their stakes in the format, and why does it seem Nero has the edge? And what about MPEG themselves