MP3 Players - Advice?

[Patrick M]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I tend to have things on mp3 I don't actually own (at least at the time I acquire the mp3s). I have never been interested in ripping my entire CD catalog to mp3. I tend to use mp3 as a 'try before you buy' format, or for things I'm only marginally interested in.

[Xenu]

First, make sure you're using their optimized LAME 3.90.3 build. VBR is definitely better than using 192 CBR. Use this preset on 3.90.3:

I read the thread, but didn't find the answer: what's so special about that build?

FWIW, I recently nabbed a few albums in OGG format from the filesharing networks. I don't have much experience with Ogg as a music format, actually, as I more frequently see it used in video container settings. Anyway, I was *really* impressed with its sound quality at around 80kb/sec; it seemed to artifact less noticably than MP3.

[Xenu]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I tend to have things on mp3 I don't actually own (at least at the time I acquire the mp3s). I have never been interested in ripping my entire CD catalog to mp3. I tend to use mp3 as a 'try before you buy' format, or for things I'm only marginally interested in.

I certainly understand your position, Patrick, but you do have to factor in portability issues. I have a fairly large number of audio CDRs at school, yet while I enjoy having a lossless "collection" on hand at most times, the idea of fitting the same amount of music on a portable iPod has more than a little appeal.

Additionally, there're those tracks that I'm generally unlikely to ever find the CD equivalent of anytime soon. Half of my Moonriders collection is MP3. I'd rather not burn CDs of these to listen to them in a portable setting.

[Rspaight]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I tend to have things on mp3 I don't actually own (at least at the time I acquire the mp3s). I have never been interested in ripping my entire CD catalog to mp3. I tend to use mp3 as a 'try before you buy' format, or for things I'm only marginally interested in.

It's all about the portability to me, being able to take several thousand songs to work or on road trips with me in an iPod is worth the ripping hassle. (Plus there's the convenience of being able to listen to anything at any computer in the house via shared iTunes.)

Maybe I should rip my entire collection into Monkey's Audio format, just because I find the file extension APE to be hilarious. Yes, I'm easily amused.

Ryan

[krabapple]

First, make sure you're using their optimized LAME 3.90.3 build. VBR is definitely better than using 192 CBR. Use this preset on 3.90.3:

I read the thread, but didn't find the answer: what's so special about that build?

That particular thread assumes you've already followed the development of the LAME encoders. That version is stable, *extensively* tested, does better on difficult sources than previous versions. Do a title search on '3.90.3' to read past posts discussing that version. Newer builds are out --I think 3.95.X is officially out, and 3.10 is in beta -- you can monitor their testing and tweaking on the Hydrogenaudio forum.

FWIW, I recently nabbed a few albums in OGG format from the filesharing networks. I don't have much experience with Ogg as a music format, actually, as I more frequently see it used in video container settings. Anyway, I was *really* impressed with its sound quality at around 80kb/sec; it seemed to artifact less noticably than MP3.

Well-run tests of Ogg vs LAME vs Musepac vs other encoders are one of the most interesting features of HA.org, to me. That, and the completely refreshing lack of tolerance for subjectivist claims of audio quality.

[Patrick M]

[Rspaight]

Back to the original topic...

Word has it that Apple is going to introduce a solid-state ("flash") iPod at their Expo this week. A 1GB model supposedly will go for $150 and 2GB for $200. So you might want to hold off until you see what's going on there.

Ryan

[Patrick M]

http://macosrumors.com/20050107A.php

[Patrick M]

For the sake of clarity, *this* is the recommended LAME:

http://rarewares.phucknut.net/lame-3.90.3.zip

Correct?

[Xenu]

Phucknet.net?

Yes, I do believe so.

[Rspaight]

That's where I got mine.

Ryan

[Rspaight]

http://macosrumors.com/20050107A.php

Hmmmm. If this "iPod Radio" thing is true, I'm betting on wireless connectivity. An AM/FM tuner just doesn't sound "gee-whiz" enough for an Apple product.

That would be sweet, and get around the limited storage space, at least for use around the house.

Ryan

[Rspaight]

http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/

Ryan

[Crummy Old Label Avatar]

I'm a Mac user. I love OS X and I guess the overpriced iPod Photo is OK (I don't have one, but my wife just got one; I inherited her old 10 GB iPod. One day I'll try it out). But after looking at the link, I think Apple is scraping the bottom of the barrel with this stupid "iPod Shuffle". $199 for 1 GB??? The iPod Mini gives you 4 GB storage for only $50 more, and the regular iPod has a 20 GB drive for $50 more than that. Go figure.

[Rspaight]

Actually, the 1GB model is $149 (512MB = $99), which is pretty much in line with the competition from iRiver and Creative.

But what's really got my attention is the Mac Mini. I'm sorely tempted to get one just to play with and learn OS X.

Ryan