Audio File Question

[Papi Chulo]

I am just wondering what would be the best format / bitrate to put on my portable audio player

It is a Sansa e260 (4GB)

I was thinking of using 96kb/s MP3pro.. but I was curious how LAME compared to mp3pro

I do not need the best sound (or I would leave it at 196kb or higher)

MP3pro, Lame, WMA, or variable WMA?

 

[Gentle Ben]

I havent done much MP3 stuff in tha last few years, but I use lame @128 and found the quality to be pretty darn decent, I wouldnt say audiofile by any means tho! at 128 bitrate the file size is approx 1/10th the original size

 

[juanbrujo]

It depends on different options. If you really want high quality music, then you should rip at higher sampling rates (instead of 44.1 KHz, use 48 KHz) and higher bitrates (instead of 128 Kbps, use 192 Kbps, 224 Kbps, or best at 384 Kbps). However, higher the quality, greater the file size. So you won't be able to store a large number of songs on the computer/iPod.

Constant bitrate (CBR) is a means of encryption which is more used for streaming over the network since it allows a constant bandwidth which routers and other Internet devices such as servers are comfortable with. Variable bitrate (VBR) is usually used for local file playback when you simply listen to ripped music from your computer/iPod but don't stream it over a network. For your purpose, I recommend using VBR.

 

[Papi Chulo]

How about WMA at 96kb/s?