Audio encoding.

[Klostrophobic]

How do you go about the task of encoding your music collection? MP3? Ogg? AAC? WMA? I should have asked before I reripped all of my CDs, but I'm a dolt.

I encode everything in 128 kbps min, 256 kbps max VBR using CDex coupled with the LAME encoder. MP3 is the way to go for me, since it seems to be the norm and it is the only format my Archos Jukebox plays.

 

[risingson77]

I used to use db Poweramp to encode MP3s. I was up to 320 kbps CBR.

Now I use Windows Media Player and encode WMAs at 135 - 215 kbps. The fidelity difference is negligible (at least for background listening) and it requires much less drive space. Plus, WMP rips and encodes super-fast. 👍

 

[Sage]

iTunes (of course), with everything encoded at 128 kbps AAC format. (I can definitely tell the difference between AAC and MP3 [and the gain in HD space is an added bonus], but I can't really tell the difference between 128 kbps and anything higher).

 

[rjensen11]

.wav

It works for me, at least for a few CD's. I still have an 85 minute concert on my computer as .wav, I broke it up and everything because it was one track when I ripped it from the DVD. It's much nicer than MP3, and since I have 2 80GB hard drives and 1 170 GB, I'm set for a while(Even if I have to share with my dad and brother....)

 

[Klostrophobic]

A WAV is like 10 MB a minute on average. Unless you've got some extreme equipment and the most excellent ears, you can't hear the difference between a WAV and a correctly encoded MP3.

But if space is no issue, then cool.

 

[risingson77]

Actually, your gear need not be extreme and your ears only servicable. If you listen to a WAV and MP3 back to back, the differences become obvious pretty quickly.

But for casual listening, it doesn't make a difference.

 

[Klostrophobic]

You must have good ears or some terribly encoded MP3s. I can tell no difference.

 

[risingson77]

Not really. Most people don't give themselves enough credit with comparisons like that. I am an obsessive performance nerd, however. A/B comparisons make me happy.

 

[Shannon]

I use dBpowerAMP for ripping my CDs. It's 100% freeware too! You can download a Power Pack add-on for dMC which rips songs faster and such, but that is shareware and has a 30-day restriction on it.

 

[Sage]

Originally posted by risingson77
A/B comparisons make me happy.

Heh heh.

 

[risingson77]

Nerds of the World, Unite!

 

[MistaY]

For MP3 rips I use Windac32, then I encode using the Lame MP3 encoder. 160kbps hq setting (there are other settings, but i've never bothered with them) this is for MP3's that go on my computer, which rarely happens. For my Mp3 player I have a 128mb Creative Muvo which doubles as a portable storage device (Ok I use it to store homestarrunner cartoons on it) I tend to Encode in 128kbps to save space, although these get burnt to a CDRW so I can move tracks around.

 

[RVDNuT374]

For copying CD's to my PC i use RealOne Player set @ 176 kb/s.

 

[rjensen11]

Originally posted by RVDNuT374
For copying CD's to my PC i use RealOne Player set @ 176 kb/s.

... I use RealPlayer to rip them as .wav ...