Choosing a codec

[Unregistered]

I have just purchased an iPod (not based on iTunes, but the CF reader for the iPod). I am about to start the process of ripping all my CD's (approx. 200), and would like some advice on a codec to choose.

For obvious reasons I am restricted to mp3 and aac. The encoding time is not of concern, nor is the file size difference between the two formats, nor the compatability of mp3 since these will only be played on my computer or iPod. I want the quality to be high enough that I feel like I am listening to the CD, and NOT concerned with fitting as much songs on as I can.

I have found alot of audio quality tests for mp3 @ 128, and how it compares to aac, but I can't find information comparing higher encoding rates. At minimum I would encode the mp3 or aac @192. Is there less of a quality gap between the two at these higher rates (>= 192), or is one format a clear winner? Can someone recommend a format (and rate if 192 isn't high enough).

Thanks for any advice,
Mark

[RossRoy]

Re: Choosing a codec

I don't know much about AAC, but what I do know is that using Lame MP3 with the Alt-Preset option sounds great! And if you want more quality, you could always use a higher Alt-Preset than Standard, like Extreme.

[Unregistered]

Re: Choosing a codec

Thanks for the advice. I didn't even attempt to change the preset (defaults to none) and was using CBR @ 192 for a couple test CD's. I think I have decided mp3's using the Lame 3.92 encoder and a preset of Alt-Extreme.

Mark