MP3 to AAC....worth it to convert?

[Spencer04]

^ I've got my entire music collection as of now in mp3. Is it worth it to transfer it all to AAC. What's the difference in file size, sound quality etc.?

[treffmeister]

NO transcoding to aac is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Not only would the fact that the two different codecs' method of discarding data combine for horrible quality, aac in itself is not all that great a quality. However, if you are ripping from a CD, it is a different story. Ideally, one uses Ogg Vorbis on Q7 (~224kbs-1) for perfect, and yet not overly massive, files. Of course if you are using an iPod (cannot read ogg, aac) then your best bet is MP3 using lame encoder "-alt preset standard". It's great quality and small file size, using vbr (trounces cbr, something aac cannot do)

[RDC2447]

Originally posted by treffmeister
....then your best bet is MP3 using lame encoder "-alt preset standard". It's great quality and small file size, using vbr (trounces cbr, something aac cannot do)

What software are you using to encode MP3's with these settings?

(cowers in anticipation of the littany of angry posts demanding the use of the "Search Forums" function)

Thanks.

[br-]

What software are you using to encode MP3's with these settings?
The Lame encoder. Google it.
Ideally, one uses Ogg Vorbis on Q7 (~224kbs-1) for perfect, and yet not overly massive, files.
"Perfect" is really subjective when talking about lossy compression. What is perfect to someone and their headphones, another may hear artifacts. When speaking objectively, only lossless encoding is technically perfect.

[treffmeister]

Okay, I'm sorry for my incorrect post. I will clarify.

I find that Ogg Vorbis on Q7 (VBR ~224kbs-1) has extremely high quality - indiscernable from the original - for MY ears, which are extremely sensitive (QLD Sciencecentre). Of course, for those of you with iPods which cannot decode the ogg vorbis codec, higher vbr mp3s would come to the same quality (i find Q7 oggs are about the same as 280kbs-1 mp3s)


And yes, for a lesser quality, smaller and still listenable file, use "Lame Encoder" "-alt preset standard".

[KAC]

Originally posted by treffmeister
using vbr (trounces cbr, something aac cannot do)

Correction, iTunes/QT can't do vbr AAC but Nero and other encoders can.

[buzzy]

Did you mean to ask, for loading onto an iPod - or just a general question about formats (which is what the discussion above addresses)? Because then the answer might vary depending on exactly what you're trying to do.

For example, if your mp3 collection is 320 kbps mp3 and you have an iPod mini, you might consider converting some tracks to save space (keep the original mp3 for other uses). It's not ideal to transcode, but if you listen to some tracks you'll get a sense for what kind of sound quality results.

Listen for artifacts - little squeaks that don't belong, that result from transcoding from one lossy format to another.

Obviously for those you have a CD for - recode from the CD into iTunes.

[bseidner]

Not having a LAME encoder and having MMJB 8.2 and iTunes, are these good? Lame is free but you have to but the front end to get a GUI. If it is worth it then I will, but is it?

[br-]

You don't have to buy the front end to lame. There are multiple freeware GUIs for it. EAC is one example.