Let's assume that I encode wav to mpc and in the future I plan to transcode to mp3. What profile should I choose? q6? q7 and what settings for mp3? lame -aps or sth else? Does anybody tested if for example q7 or q8 to -aps sounds better then let's say q5 to -aps?

Sorry for my English
Greets

Think that when transcoding to mp3, need to use fixed bitrate preset, for example, --alt-preset 128 (or 160, or something at the middle). Because (it's my guessing only) waveform, decompressed from lossy encode, has much more peaks, pops, I don't know what also, but someting that forces VBR mode to raise bitrate in difference to original waveform.
Wanted to critic

It will sound perfectly fine, and should, even at -q5.
MPC (subband) ==> MP3 (MDCT) istn't as horrible as you'd like to think roman. You could use any VBR mode, thing is MP3 needs a higher bitrate to sound similar to MPC - don't let the bitrates confuse you ;0)

Merry Christmas

So -q5 to -aps should be generally ok?
Or, again, -q6 or -q7 to -aps gives noticeable difference ?

Your English is fine. In the end, you are the best tester, you are the one that needs to be satisfied with the results. Try the settings yourself, and listen.

Happy New Year,
Madrigal

Thanks, I'm using a dictionary


You are absolutely right, but
Primo
Today I don't even have a good headphones, but in the near future...
Secundo
I don't have "good ears" and probably I wouldn't hear any differences if I tried. Nevertheless I am generally interested in compression from the theoretical point of view hence I ask you guys.

I would use at least --quality 6 for MPC, and if you can afford it (size-wise), -q7. Then i'd definitely use -aps for LAME.