I have a bunch of new CDs that I've been wanting to rip and encode with AAC, but I've been wating for a milestone encoder version (either iTunes or Nero, whichever happens to be the better one) that functions as being solid and very reliable for a long time to come. Are there any such versions already available that are recommended, or will there be any important versions released within the next couple months? Thanks.

P.S. I apologize if I missed any news, but I have been looking around the forums for over a half hour now, so...

EDIT: Just to clarify, this is not necessarily a question about a "Best" encoder, but moreso a stable and trusted version of one.

You're right: there are much versions already available.
You could'nt go wrong with QuickTime 6.x (newer should be better: 6.5).
Anf if you're not sure about the settings, try to encode in "Best" mode @ 256 kbps: it is transparent enough for most samples (even for witch are hard to code).
Nick

First of all, use "Better" rather than "Best". "Best" is a complete waste of time for 16-bit recordings. "Better" is the default setting with iTunes. Second, most tests I've seen indicate that 224kbps should be transparent and 192kbps pretty darn close to it.

A good source of information is Mark Heijligers' page. I haven't seen anything here contradicting his writings.

I really like the encoder from http://www.compaact.com

You can choose CBR or VBR & it goes up to 384kbs. Just don't use the Main Profile if you want to stay compatible with Apple. It's also way faster than QuickTime.

Thanks! Should I just go with whatever is the newest version of iTunes then?

Bit-to-bit comparison for 128 kbps encodings with 6.4 and 6.5 : identical results. It seems that quality wasn't improved with the latest release of QuickTime (at leas not for 128 kbps).

As stated in the page, quality wise, QT6.4 has some minor improvement over QT6.3, but no difference between QT6.4 and QT6.5. Some noticeable quality improvement and new features may be seen in the next release.

Compatc seems to have some qualtiy issues.
think it was about it didn't use short blocks or something like it.
its in this forum somwhere.

i wouldn't use it until its testet in the listening test from rjamorim.

btw nero and quicktime are both testet to have excelent sound quality

Since iTunes uses QuickTime for encoding AAC, updates to it shouldn't have any effect on the AAC output. It's always a good idea to use the most recent version available, though - especially if you're using software as new as iTunes for Windows.

Sounds good! Personally, I hope this will be either VBR, High Efficiency AAC or gapless I can wait 'till the release to find out, though. Who knows - it could be released at the event tomorrow

I am afaid that this won't be as soon as you hoped. QT6.5 was recently released, based on the past release intervals, I think you can get a rough idea of when to expect the next release.