MP3 vs. AAC
[516 byte] By [carlolove] at [2007-11-9 15:20:21] 
I'm sure this has been discussed before, so sorry if this question is so old. But I recently downloaded ITunes for Windows, and now I have the option of converting my mp3 files to AAC files. The only problem is, I have over 1500 mp3 files on my computer, so is it worth converting to AAC in order to save space on my IPOD? I would like to have the potential more space on the IPOD if I convert to AAC. What do you guys think? Also,does AAC sound better than mp3's at 192 kbps(that what the mp3's are)?
# 1 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
I *believe* and I may be wrong... that AAC is basically mp4 - and mp4 allows permissions to be set.I downloaded my first song from the iTunes store today (Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters - Elton John) and the file extention on my PC is "m4p"
I asked me to "authorize" the computer that I downloaded it on to, so I'm guessing that's part of the "security" that it allows. and yeah, I've heard that the file sizes can be smaller with better quality. I guess it's just a matter of... do you want to re-encode all of your music?
I have everything except that 1 song as a 192kbps mp3 and it sounds great.
J.
jjunker at 2007-11-15 17:40:38 >
# 2 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
Ok, here's the thing about AAC--this is my opinion anyway. For the same kb's, AAC sound better than mp3. But the file size isn't smaller (in fact it can be larger) if you chose identical bit rates--ie 192 kbps AAC will be roughly the same size, and perhaps even larger than 192 kbps mp3. Now the key question in my mind is how does 128 kbps AAC sound compared to 192 kbps mp3--here is where you get a significant change in file size in AAC's favor. I personally think that 192 kbps mp3 (Using LAME encoder with --alt-preset standard, which averages about 192 for the entire song) sounds better than 128 kbps AAC, but the mp3 file is much larger.The bottom line is if your mp3's are at 192 kbps, and you're going to switch to AAC at 192 kbps, then you're not helping yourself from a file size standpoint--you're going to have to go lower on the AAC bit rate to do that. I'd recommend encoding AAC at 160 kbps and 128 kbps and see what you think compared to mp3 at 192 kbps, and use that to decide wether it's worth replacing your mp3's with lower bit rate AAC. Personally I think you'd have to rip at least at 160 kbps AAC, but there are many people (not me though) who think 128 AAC sounds just as good or better than mp3 at 192 kbps...
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:41:32 >
# 3 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
carlolove,dmt1 made some good points. You'll need to go lower than 192 to save space.
I re-ripped my entire collection to 128 AAC's to save space, about 2000 files at the time. I have an 'old' 10 gigger and wanted to keep it holding all of my music as long as possible.
I did my own tests and felt the 128 AAC were comparable, if not better, than the 192 mp3s. I wasn't using the LAME encoder, so my 192s weren't as good as they could have been...
Anyway, do your own tests. You need to be really critical of the sound because its a big job to re-rip all of those files. Use the exact equipment you'll be using to listen to them- Don't do your tests using your desktop speakers when you really should do it right on the iPod.
Also, I want to make sure you realize that you shouldn't 'convert' all of the mp3s to AACs. You need to start over with the CDs to make your AACs. Do as test and you'll hear the difference big time.
There's a great guide linked from the ipodlounge.com homepage on re-ripping to AAC. iTunes will ask you if you want to replace the mp3s with the AACs [thereby retaining your playcounts, rankings, etc.], which is a great feature but it doesn't always perform flawlessly. The guide will help you get around the issues.
Good luck if you decide to re-rip!
MikeM at 2007-11-15 17:42:36 >
# 4 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
I converted all 2700 of my 160kbps mp3's to 128 aac. I know all about loss of sound quality and all that. I made the decision and I do not regret it. They sound just as good or better and I have listened through headphones, home stereo and car stereo. But you have to make the decision for yourself, let your ears, be the judge, afterall it's your ipod.revmike at 2007-11-15 17:43:39 >
# 5 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
Why can't I just use the option in itunes that automatically makes another copy of my mp3 in aac format?carlolove at 2007-11-15 17:44:42 >
# 6 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
Originally posted by carlolove Why can't I just use the option in itunes that automatically makes another copy of my mp3 in aac format?
Because you are converting from one compressed format to another, creating a loss of sound quality. If you want to do that, go for it and maybe you won't be able to tell the difference and have the same experience as revmike. But follow his and MikeM's advice and test it out to see if the sound quality is acceptable to you.
mikey at 2007-11-15 17:45:41 >
# 7 Re: MP3 vs. AAC
Ah, I see. Thanks!carlolove at 2007-11-15 17:46:46 >
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