Please help me find a good bitrate for my Apple TV/iTunes library

[SACD02]

Hello everyone
Recently my whole music library was wiped off (on the backup drive as well) so I need to re-encode all my files to my library from the CDs. I used to encode my files in MP3 using Mediamonkey at LAME VBR0 setting (Stereo (not joint), around 250kbps) and then import it into iTunes
I want to import my music using iTunes and start using AAC. I also bought an Apple TV to stream content to my Home Theater. I have a high quality Home Theater tuned for CD/SACD playback but I realize it's time to be more efficient and have all my files in one place (with moves, photos and their art work) rather than keep changing CDs and what not. I plan to use lossy compression so I can have more music rather than using Apple lossless and store less. I care about sound quality, but I'm no religious audiophile so I can trade a bit of sound quality for more convenience
Here are my questions:

)Is iTunes' AAC encoder a good one?
)What is a good proven setting for AAC files so they sound good on stereo systems as well through Apple TV (perceptually lossless)? I think 320kbps is overkill but I could be wrong?

Few things to consider:
I'll use Apple TV's HDMI (or maybe optical) output to my receiver for sound
I cant do AAC VBR since it is not compatible with my phone

Thank you all in advance

PS: I have thought about using Apple lossless but as much as I like the option in terms of quality, It is a hassle. I want to sync my Apple TV with my computer so I don't have to turn my computer to stream music. AAC saves me space and time. I do plan to rip mu CDs using EAC in future for backup purposes, but for now I'd like a good lossy option

 

[Keebler]

hi and welcome!

This is a tough question b/c it's all up to your ears and storage space
I'm not an audiophile per say, but I've come to hear subtle differences in Apple Lossless vs. aac @ 320. The next reply might say they've found something really different.

The question to be asked is how much music are we talking about it? I ask b/c if you want to sync and store on your appletv, great, but if you're adding movies and/or photos, you might soon run out of space, regardless of what codec you use.

You might end up needing a media server or at least a larger external hard drive to save you some time down the road. I'm in the same boat - I've been re-ripping my CDs into apple lossless and actively searching for a media server. Hp has one coming out that is compatible with macs and apple is rumoured to be working on one.

I did find aac @320 to be a great sound compared to the file size. Even 192 was good.

Hope my response wasn't as convoluted as it looks now that i've re-read it I just wanted to poke an idea about the media server or external HD in case you hadn't thought of it.

best of luck,
keebler

 

[macaronie]

i used apple lossless for my cds, or anything else i imported, which is gonna stink if i ever need to get this stuff off my mac loll

 

[macrazee]

256 AAC is transparent for me. You could use ALAC (Apple Lossless) but the extra space required is significant and I can't tell a difference.

 

[hipaying]

AAC is a good encode ,but not the best .
WAV ,APE and FLAC will be better for sound .