I have worked with MP3 for years and I'd like to test something new as soon as I get my new 160 GB harddrive.

So could you please tell me wich lossless codec to start with. I have allready tested some Monkey as CDex somes with the encoder. Is monkey good enough or should I try something better (IS there something better)? Really, I know nothing about these things. Do be afraid to be technical if you're going to answer, I know computers well and I'm cerainly not afraid of learning new things.

[edit]I refuse to use Windows Media Lossless.[/edit]
[edit]I use Winamp, so I want a codec with a good WA plugin[/edit]

Welcome

First since you are in the lossless format - it means you are not losing anything - whicherver codec you choose - monkey, flac, etc - they are equal in terms of audio quality, ie 100%

Two - People choose the different codecs because they each offer different things Besides audio quality

Three - try using the search function and read the FAQ - this question has been asked and andswered many, many times before