best encoding

[spettacoli]

hi everypody :-)
which is the best way to encode songs? i don't wanna kow about the trade off between sound quality and disc space, but i'm reading everywhere that mp3 is not the best. does ipod can read any other kind of music file?
then i have another question. where can i find in iTunes the bitrate of the songs i've alreasy encoded? i started with 128 but then i moved to 192: now i want to upgrade everything to 192 and i can't remember which were the 128 songs
thank u

[dmt1]

AAC is probably the "best".

But it's not as widespread as mp3; if you use compressed files with any other device other than the ipod or your computer, you have to take this into consideration.

To see bit rate, right click on the bar up top (the one with song name, artist, etc). A menu will pop up, check bitrate, and it will show up on your toolbar.

[MonkeyMan9700]

dude just do mp3 and incode all new stuff at 192 and leave the rest of them at what they are

[saratoga]

Use VBR is you use MP3. Constant bitrate files are ######ed and lower quality. THeres no reason to use it.

[johnnylighton]

If you have some computer knowledge, here is a page that has all the instructions for you. I used their exact procedure and have been rewarded with great sounding MP3s.

How to get great MP3s from CDs (http://www.gamingforce.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=878).

[deftdrummer1]

personally i would encode mp3's with a good ripper like CDex in 128 format. As for downloading off the internet, ive found lots of files don't sond near as good as the ripped ones do at 128 in terms of quality. I suggest downloading mp3 files at 192

[dmt1]

CDex is good; the best ripper/encoder IMHO is EAC/LAME, but CDex is good too, and easier to use. I'd use a higher bitrate than 128 though. But don't take my word for it, probably the best way to determine which bit rate to use is to try encoding at different bit rates, and use the lowest one that sounds the best to you. I use the LAME encoder (CDex has a LAME encoder too), using the --alt-preset standard setting. This gives a VBR file, averages about 190-200 kbs, and is indistinguishable from .wav (CD quality) to my ears.

[MOCKBA]

Some people recommend lossless encoders which obviously the best. However, iPod isn't capable to decode them yet, so you have a possibility to convert then to MP3 or AAC.

[Mujaji]

I'm sorry johnnylighton but i wouldnt trust a furry for cd ripping advice

[johnnylighton]

^^^^ No, but you can trust me. I'm an iPodlounger. :) The instructions really do work.

[dmt1]

IMHO, that setup that Johnny linked to is about as good as it gets--furry or no.