Downloaded music bitrates
[179 byte] By [db_rufus] at [2007-11-9 15:01:04] 
I am interest in purchasing an ipod and using itunes but am weary of the downloaded music quality from the itunes store. Could someone tell me what bitrate the dowloaded music is.
# 1 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
I assume you meant "wary". The iTMS uses 128 kbps AAC. However, they are also often going back to the original source material, which is better than a CD. Also, 128 AAC >> 128 MP3; many people consider 128 AAC ~= 192 MP3, and also note that all MP3s shave off some high frequencies.thenightfly42 at 2007-11-15 16:46:28 >
# 2 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
Yeah - there's a recent thread on this topic here:http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12205
Sam Williams at 2007-11-15 16:47:28 >
# 3 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
If the audio source is "x" quality, ANY bitrate you rip at cannot surpass "x" quality.Dont think ripping @ 320 CBR, will give u above-cd quality. It just doesnt exist.
stasyna at 2007-11-15 16:48:35 >
# 4 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
No lossy encoding gives CD quality. If you truly want CD quality use .aiff or .wav. Oh, and get a BIG hard drive and a digital sound card with optical out. You will hear a huge difference.randydecker at 2007-11-15 16:49:30 >
# 5 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
Monkey's Audio is perfect for saving space, and achieving lossless audio compression.But yeah, like randy suggested nothing will give you CD/Studio quality, but it sure is close to it.
stasyna at 2007-11-15 16:50:29 >
# 6 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
Do you have an URL for an encoder/player for lossless compression. I remember I had one installed long ago. I'd like to do a sound test again now that I've changed equipment. I don't know whether it's worthwhile pursuing. Storage is cheap and getting cheaper. I like having an uncompressed copy of the original on my HD. It's a super jukebox. I'm not sure about this but i would think that one's processor would be less busy playing uncompressed music too. Now I don't yet have the resources to have uncompressed HiDef video on my HD but maybe someday.
BTW my processors are just barely registering when I am importing audio. Perhaps there needs to be a tweak or two in iTunes for windows.
randydecker at 2007-11-15 16:51:39 >
# 7 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
http://www.monkeysaudio.com/ - Ape, lossless compression is popular and is what I'm going to be using to backup my music collection. Also handy for maintaining iPod friendly collections as you can easily convert ape to mp3/aac as opposed to having to rip your audio collection again.It's also supported within Media Center 9 as well, which is nice.
Mart at 2007-11-15 16:52:32 >
# 8 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
http://flac.sourceforge.net/ Check out the comparison table.randydecker at 2007-11-15 16:53:36 >
# 9 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
128k AAC is pretty good quality, but I prefer 192k AAC, after that I cant really tell a difference.The iTMS files at 128k AAC can be better then a CD that you ripped to 128k AAC because apple is encoding better media to begin with then a CD. It probably isn't that different, but still a little better if you are an audiophile.
sailgreg at 2007-11-15 16:54:33 >
# 10 Re: Downloaded music bitrates
I really wonder what audiophiles will think if artists go independant and release music ONLY as AAC, MP3, etc.Personally, I like the quality of 128 AAC. There is some artifacting, some cymbals sound tinny, but then again my primary music generes are R&B and Hip-Hop, and after countless testing recently I can say 128 AAC is my personal preference now.
ltparis at 2007-11-15 16:55:37 >
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