Downconverting and transcoding? Options

[sc7]

Hi everyone,


I have an iTunes collection that is rapidly growing in size. (Slowly buying CDs and encoding, mostly). My problem is that I no longer have all of the source CDs, which I ripped at 320kbps (from what I understand will kill the battery life of my iPod Classic (coming soon)).

So my question is this. If I transcode to AAC (192), will there be a difference if I was coming from the CD? I know transcoding looses quality, but what if the source is a higher quality to lower?

How about if I go to a lower bit rate, or VBR MP3?

I'm trying to save space, and I'm not worried about the quality of lower bitrates, I'm just wondering if a 320 source will result in lower quality at a lower bitrate, than if coming straight from the lossless source.

Thanks.

[Ron Jones]

The answer to your question is: technically, yes.

Even if you were to re-encode the files with the same exact encoder at the exact same bit rate, the result would be degradation.

[AndyH-ha]

Keep in mind that "a difference" and "degradation" are not necessairly the same thing. The difference could well be inaudible to you. I've done this with mp3 material, reencoding to a lower bit rate, and had no problems.

The best approach is to try a few tracks and see what you experience. You can lose nothing beyond a little time. The only reliable way to do this is via ABX software, otherwise you are just spinning your wheels while building a fantasy.