Converting to lower bitrate of same format

[Lulu]

Howdy.

This is a remdial question, but I'm asking anyway. I'm pressed for space on my iPod and am thinking about switching from MP4 160 kbps to MP4 128 kbps. Same format, lower bitrate. I'm wondering whether using dMC to convert the files is a bad idea. That is, would ripping directly from CD at 128 kbps result in a better quality file?

Zeah.

[Spoon]

>would ripping directly from CD at 128 kbps result in a better quality file?

It will be of a better quality, if you can afford the time, re-rip.

You could try some tests on a few different files to determine how much of a difference there will be.