Winamp Fraunhofer MPEG-4 AAC Encoder? Options

[HA2013]

Is FhG AAC encoder bundled with Winamp 5.63 a decent one, or there are better free alternative?.This encoder can achieve a maximum bitrate of 448 kbps on CBR mode and LC profile, but I wonder if it's more efficient than other encoders, as I'm considering switching fro MP3 insane preset encodec with LAME 3.99.5 and re-ripping lossless source into AAC-LC (.m4a) files.Thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by HA2013: Dec 23 2012, 00:31

[HA2013]

Sorry for double posting, I'm sure I didn't click reply/quote twice.I forgot to mention I'll play these lossy files in my Samsung Galaxy smartphone (running Android 2.3.6), which doesn't support FLAC files, but I'll keep FLAC files ripped from CDs in HD for archival purpose.I'll rip some CDs into AAC-LC with VBR mode.

To be honest, with low end/budget audio gear (no hi-fi headphone, regular desktop onboard audio chipset etc). I'm starting to wonder if there will be actually any transparecy difference between lossless and a well encoded lossy file by LAME or FhG, no matter if bitrate is variable or constant .Thanks for the help guys, the Fraunhofer encoder seems efficient and fast, I'll just keep using it.I'll rip CDs using VBR mode or stick with FLAC for lossless.

This post has been edited by HA2013: Dec 23 2012, 17:37

[jkauff]

Sorry for double posting, I'm sure I didn't click reply/quote twice.I forgot to mention I'll play these lossy files in my Samsung Galaxy smartphone (running Android 2.3.6), which doesn't support FLAC files, but I'll keep FLAC files ripped from CDs in HD for archival purpose.

Did you know Winamp has an Android version? PowerAMP is another popular Android music app that plays just about any format. If space is not an issue (does your phone have a memory card slot?), you could avoid a lot of extra effort and just use your FLAC files.