What lossy format for iPod? Best app to convert from ALAC to lossy?

netdog · May 28, 2006, 05:55 AM

I have my entire library (1100 CDs) ripped and archived in ALAC so that I can play them across my AirTunes network on my stereo. While there are better lossless formats it works with iTunes, AirTunes, iPod and has nice tags embedded in its container.

Now I want to create a separate library for my 60GB iPod. It is not essential that I can store absolutely all the tracks on my iPod though that would not be a bad thing either.

What format do you wise people recommend that I convert to? AAC? Some sort of MP3 VBR? Something else? Obviously, audio quality is very important. Future portability outside of the Apple realm is not so important as I do have the lossless file archived and there are a number of apps that will convert these to any other lossless format that I may need in the future. Obviously, for now I want to be able to play these lossy files on an iPod and in iTunes from my MacBook when I am on the road.

Any recommendations on which app to use? Do some do a better job of conversion than others?

GimmeSlack12 · May 28, 2006, 08:54 AM

AAC 128 should be more than enough for you, considering ears cannot distinguish any bit rate higher. But if you aren't convinced by that AAC 160 will be your best bet.

BlizzardBomb · May 28, 2006, 10:09 AM

Go for 192kbps AAC. I notice artifacts on 128kbps when I crank up the volume on a stereo or on the road. But then again, everyones ears are different so it'll be best to experiment with a few tracks and a few bitrates.

decksnap · May 28, 2006, 12:11 PM

I recommend AAC 192. There is a clear difference between this and something like 128.

May 28, 2006, 05:55 AM	#1
netdog macrumors 603 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London	What lossy format for iPod? Best app to convert from ALAC to lossy? I have my entire library (1100 CDs) ripped and archived in ALAC so that I can play them across my AirTunes network on my stereo. While there are better lossless formats it works with iTunes, AirTunes, iPod and has nice tags embedded in its container. Now I want to create a separate library for my 60GB iPod. It is not essential that I can store absolutely all the tracks on my iPod though that would not be a bad thing either. What format do you wise people recommend that I convert to? AAC? Some sort of MP3 VBR? Something else? Obviously, audio quality is very important. Future portability outside of the Apple realm is not so important as I do have the lossless file archived and there are a number of apps that will convert these to any other lossless format that I may need in the future. Obviously, for now I want to be able to play these lossy files on an iPod and in iTunes from my MacBook when I am on the road. Any recommendations on which app to use? Do some do a better job of conversion than others? __________________ We don't see the world as it is. We see it as we are. -Anais Nin Classical Homeopath and Naturopathic Doctor in London
	0

May 28, 2006, 08:54 AM	#2
GimmeSlack12 macrumors 603 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Francisco	AAC 128 should be more than enough for you, considering ears cannot distinguish any bit rate higher. But if you aren't convinced by that AAC 160 will be your best bet. __________________ iMac 24" iBook G4 iPhone 4 iPod 80Gb
	0

May 28, 2006, 10:09 AM	#3
BlizzardBomb macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England	Go for 192kbps AAC. I notice artifacts on 128kbps when I crank up the volume on a stereo or on the road. But then again, everyones ears are different so it'll be best to experiment with a few tracks and a few bitrates. __________________ Mid '09 13" MBP, Rev. B iMac G5 Retired: 4th Gen iPod 20 GB, 1st Gen iPod nano 2 GB, iPod classic 80 GB
	0

May 28, 2006, 12:11 PM	#4
decksnap macrumors 68030 Join Date: Apr 2003	I recommend AAC 192. There is a clear difference between this and something like 128. __________________ My cat's breath smells like catfood.
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is there an app to convert AVI files to Itunes friendly Mp4 format and do this...	utopianbl	Mac Applications and Mac App Store	4	Feb 15, 2012 09:42 AM
Looking for a maps app where I can drop multiple pins	amphibious	iPhone and iPod touch Apps	1	Feb 5, 2011 03:19 PM
Best app to convert videos to iPad-friendly format?	Doju	iPad	9	Apr 26, 2010 01:16 AM
App to convert .m2t files to other video formats	swiftaw	Mac Applications and Mac App Store	6	Oct 17, 2008 07:53 AM
What lossy format for iPod? Best app to convert from ALAC to lossy?	netdog	Digital Audio	2	May 28, 2006 10:00 AM