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Which format to use - mp3 vs. windows lossless,

This has probably been covered before, but as a new fan of the Gon, I'll try to be concise. I have downloaded my music in mp3 format in the past. I decided to try Window's lossless format.
The same song in mp3 was recorded at 320 kbps and 12.56MB file size. In lossless it is 470 to 940 variable bits and 36.9MB.
I thought there would be a noticeable improvement, but it was only marginal. My question is going forward, which format should I use for the best fidelity. Thanks.
ranwal67
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Sounds like you've answered the question yourself. If you can't hear much of a difference yourself, why take up more space. For me it's a no-brainer, I hear a difference, so I choose lossless. You may want to try comparing more than just one file that way before making a choice. Also, try the same test with headphones or earbuds (assuming that you may use one or both at some time). Otherwise, go with what your own ears tell you, not someone elses.

Marco
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
If ripping from original disc go Flac. If downloading MP3s from the net..you might as well leave them as they are.
ehart
215 posts
 
Depends...

In our house, the answer has turned out to be "both". I rip to FLAC on the Olive music server because I want highest quality (and I have the room). My son rips the same CDs in MP3 format for Itunes/Ipod. The iPod doesn't support FLAC, and in any case, he wouldn't be able to store enough songs. Since we have the CDs and the ripping process in both cases is very simple, I haven't worried about "converting" from one to the other, which sounds good in theory, but which at least for us would be too much trouble.

On the other hand, if these are one-time downloads, or if you plan to get rid of the source CD (or LP) after you rip it, then I would go with a lossless format and deal with conversion later if need be. You can always convert "down" but you can't convert "up".

- Eric
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