Andy Ihnatko on choosing the bit rate and file format to use when importing a CD collection:

“Before I did The Big Rip, I ripped a dozen different discs from all kinds of genres at a multitude of settings. In the end, I settled on 256K bitrate MP3, fixed bitrate, as my format of choice.

I’m convinced it gives me the fewest compatibility issues (I had a problem with variable-bitrate tracks on certain streaming devices) and the highest quality audio in a reasonable file size.

I chose MP3 because I couldn’t really hear the difference between an MP3 and an AAC file ripped at the same settings, and I didn’t think the savings in storage was profound enough to overcome MP3’s still-superior acceptance.

I chose 256K because I could easily sense the difference between 192K and 256K bitrate, but I had a hard time detecting improvements in any superior bitrates. Given that my usual music player is a 16 gigabyte iPhone and I dock it every day for fresh content, there’s little need for me to overboard in the pursuit of small files.”

What’s my take?  It is pretty similar to Andy’s.  However, I rip CDs into iTunes at 256K AAC, as opposed to 256k MP3.  I use AAC because it theoretically is superior to MP3, has a slightly smaller file size, and given every device I use can support AAC, I didn’t feel as strong as he did regarding potential compatibility issues.

On the bit rate question, I got to 256K for almost the same reasons he explains.  A couple years ago I did “The Big Rip” at 192K AAC.  At the time I figured it was a good compromise between the higher quality of 256K and the smaller file size of 128K.  Since then, storage of course has gotten cheaper but even more importantly for me, I really began to notice the difference in sound quality when I listened to a 128K or 192K file as compared to a CD, so I’ve been ripping at 256K for a couple months now.

So yes… I have a “Big Re-Rip” coming to get me 100% 256K AAC.  Put that on the someday / maybe list.

Tagged as: itunes, music