The more I read the more confused I get. I'm not an audiophile but not deaf either. Average quality.
Encoding mp3's using Lame, but what is best bit rate 128, 160, 190? CBR or ABR? Or the alt preset standard? They all sound the same to me above 128 on an average stereo....
Or maybe I've got it all wrong and should switch to WMA or other?
Is there a definitive source to get answers? Not too technical though.
Hi,
Don't say 'agghhh to many choices'
Having many choices is a good thing!
I use LAME MP3, but many prefer OGG.
WMA is NFG
Depends what you mean by 'best' bitrate :-)
Best (smallest) filesize = 128kbs joint-stereo
Best (highest) quality = 256kbs stereo
I use 160-192kbs CBR for best compatibility RIFF WAV MP3.
Try using 192kbs and, if you cannot hear a difference and want the smaller files, switch to 160kbs.
I think all can agree 128kbs is the bare minimum for stereo audio to approach hi-fi quality.
Regards
