DSP "trim silence" and mp3?

[ctweedle]

My library is almost all FLAC ripped from the original CDs but I occasionally purchase an mp3 download at 256kbs. What is the best way to use the DSP "trim silence" DSP feature to eliminate the silence at the front and end of an mp3 tune without further reducing the already reduced quality given that it is an mp3 file?

Is it best to bump up the mp3 to FLAC, apply the DSP trim silence effect and then convert back to mp3 @ 256kbs? I realize that the audio is only as good as the mp3 source material but I am looking for the best way to apply a DSP without losing more data.

Does the same thing apply to adding Replay Gain?

Thank you.

[Spoon]

You have to reconvert, so you will loose a little quality.

[ctweedle]

Is it best to go mp3 to FLAC, apply DSP and then convert back to mp3 or just go from mp3 to mp3? Does it make any difference?

Thanks.

[Spoon]

Does not make a difference.