Categories: Misc / DotNet / Java / Coder / Linux / PHP Ask - La ask - La Answer
ipod-faqs >> Filling Your iPod >> Digital Audio Formats

converting from mp3/AAC to wav or lossless?

I work in the pro audio field and like to have some tracks on my iPod that are high quality low compression like .wav or apple lossless. My question...I see in iTunes that I can convert tracks that I've bought from iTunes to .wav or apple lossless. Does doing this conversion give me a track that is of the same quality as if I had ripped it from CD to a .wav? I guess the same question holds true if I rip a song to AAC 256mbps and convert it back to .wav in iTunes? TIA
[480 byte] By [jackdp] at [2007-11-10 21:59:24]
«« Apple Remote, Universal Dock, And Frontrow
»» iPod USB AC adapter problem
# 1 Re: converting from mp3/AAC to wav or lossless?
Converting a file UP is a GIANT "NO-NO". The iTMS songs are 128kbps and can't be converted up only because you won't get any better quality song. You will have a large file with the same quality of the orignial 128k but showing as a lossless format in the iTunes library. CD's will have to be ripped again if you want a lossless file and not converted.

My advice will be to test this for yourself by ripping a CD or two in the lossless format and listening to it on the iPod compared to 192k &/or 256K and listen for yourself. put them in a test playlist. See if you can tell the difference between the files. The most important thing is what do you hear since only you will be listening to the iPod via earphones.

AAC 192kbps is a good file size to use for the iPod and the sound quality is good on the iPod.

Whatever you do don't ever convert files up, never.
honeybee1236 at 2007-11-15 17:38:22 >
# 2 Re: converting from mp3/AAC to wav or lossless?
Follow honeybee's advice. You never, ever want to transcode up or down, just keep your original file. Converting a 128kbps mpeg-4 AAC to a wav will results in a wav file having the exact same quality as a 128kbps mpeg-4 AAC, nothing is gained. You will never be able to gain anything unless you actually re-rip a audio CD. Same thing for the 256kbps mpeg-4 AAC files.

However, songs that you purchase from the iTunes music store, cannot simply be converted. You will be required to burn the mpeg-4 AAC file to an audio CD, then rip it to the format of your choice. This will do nothing for the quality, the audio CD will still have the same quality as the 128kbps mpeg-4 AAC purchased song.
kornchild2002 at 2007-11-15 17:39:22 >
Filling Your iPod
Digital Audio Formats
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Filling Your iPod New Topic

Filling Your iPod Hot Topic

[an error occurred while processing this directive]