Hi!

This must be a common task/problem....

I own an Ipod 60 GB, and I want to transfer a few hundred CDs to the ipod.
I am not an audiophile, but I would like good quality.

I am using ITunes 7, and I've already tried converting to Itunes AAC 192 VBR. It's okay, I guess. But now I´m reading about "iTunes AAC bad quality" : http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=41278 .
Even losing listening tests because of the bug : http://www.soundexpert.info/coders192.jsp .

1) Should I care about that, or is it something I would rarely experience?

Okay, so I've read that Nero AAC should be very good. But it seems it doesn't support gapless playback on the Ipod. And I want gapless.

2) What is a guy to do? There must be a simple answer. "If you own an ipod, and want high quality-gapless music, do this!". I know there is FLAC, but it has to be a lossy codec, or the Ipod would be filled rather quickly.
By the way, my ipod-music will also be played from an ipod-stereo called IRhythms. http://www.irhythms.com/index.cfm?fuseacti...;content_id=309

3) Assuming Itunes is (afterall) the way to go for me. Is 224 CBR better than 192 VBR? Itunes can't do AAC at 224 VBR.

4) If you're still there? I want to follow the general advice here, and convert my CD's into FLAC for my external harddrives. Is there a way to rip to FLAC and AAC at the same time? Or what would be the smartest way to do both tasks?

Best regards,

Kenneth from Denmark

The main question here is, can you hear any problems with your files? If you can't, then any problems that may occur in the rare occasions of controlled listening tests with problematic files is irrelevant to your particular situation.
The important thing when selecting a codec, is your own preference. If you are satisfied with the results, then they are perfect.


Stick with the files you already have, if you are satisfied with how they sound to your ears. Most problems with lossy encoding are only audible if you put yourself through rigorous testing and training. This is not recommended unless you have a good reason to want to hear artifacts and such. I've heard some people say that they regret having "golden ears", because now they can't just enjoy the music, instead of hearing problems everywhere.


Same as above.


In my humble opinion, the smartest way for you would be to just rip everything into a lossless codec, and then transcode the files to your lossy codec of preference when needed. I don't know of any methods for encoding into two codecs at the same time, but I estimate that this would require either a dual-core setup, or a lot of time.

I believe MAREO is a program that is capable of doing that... I don't use the program, I'm not sure of its 'ease of use' but it could be something to help you Check it out at http://www.webearce.com.ar/