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Is there a noticeable difference between 128 kbps and 256 kbps?

post #1 of 27
2/22/09 at 4:12am
Thread Starter 
I'm wondering whether to upgrade some of my music using itunes plus or not, and I'd like to know whether there's any noticeable difference in audio quality (between 128 and 256), the keyword being noticeable. I know everyone has different ideas of what "noticeable audio quality difference" is, but is it noticeable for YOU personally? Thanks.
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post #2 of 27
2/22/09 at 4:25am
Yeah, everything is clearer and refined in 256kbps.
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post #3 of 27
2/22/09 at 4:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yaaar View Post
I'm wondering whether to upgrade some of my music using itunes plus or not, and I'd like to know whether there's any noticeable difference in audio quality (between 128 and 256), the keyword being noticeable. I know everyone has different ideas of what "noticeable audio quality difference" is, but is it noticeable for YOU personally? Thanks.
I did but it could also be what gear its being played on and what type of music
classical is more noticeable than rock.
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post #4 of 27
2/22/09 at 6:38am
Yeah, to my ears there are a clear difference between 128 and 256kbps AAC.
But in the end you're the only one having your ears and audio system. Meaning that you will need to make up your own mind..
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post #5 of 27
2/22/09 at 7:31am
Yes, quite markedly. I didn't used to think so, but I now download everything at 320kb rather than 128kb. It's definitely worth it.
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post #6 of 27
2/22/09 at 7:42am
I can hear some noticable differences in terms of detail. I don't notice much between 320k and lossless though...
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post #7 of 27
2/22/09 at 8:35am
I use the standard rule that if it's beneath 200kbps I don't download it, not because 128/192kbps sounds bad per sé, but because you miss details and softer sounds in the background as well as some fullness of the sound sometimes. But always rely on your own ears if it's good enough or not.
It also depends on the setting you use it in, on-the-go 128kbps may even be better than higher bitrates because you listen less critical and most of the time you can't hear the details because of the background noises and because the files are smaller you can take more music with you.
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post #8 of 27
2/22/09 at 9:49am
absolutely; with my rig and my ears, I keep everything at home in lossless if possible, but fill with between 256-lossless. more detail, better soundstage and smoother less fatiguing highs. anything below 256 is painful with my setup; way too revealing
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post #9 of 27
2/22/09 at 10:46am
I also hear a huge difference between 128 and 256.
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post #10 of 27
2/22/09 at 11:27am
I hear the difference.
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post #11 of 27
2/22/09 at 11:50am
i cannot accept 128 after i heard 256. to me 256 is benchmark.
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post #12 of 27
2/22/09 at 11:54am
256 for me. Well, ALAC then 256. I hear the difference.
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post #13 of 27
2/22/09 at 12:02pm
I can tell the difference easily between 320kbps and WMA Lossless on my Zune 120 and Shure SE530s.
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post #14 of 27
2/22/09 at 12:08pm
yes, 256 is pushing the lower limits of my tolerance for low bit rates, 128 is just frankly unpleasant
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post #15 of 27
2/22/09 at 12:18pm
Personally, I wouldn't upgrade to 256kps AAC at all, assuming they're still charging 30 cents per song, and only allowing an upgrade of an entire collection. I guess it depends on just how much music you've purchased at 128kps, and how important that music is to you and how good you expect your rig to get.

I still buy CD's and rip them, which seems to be the best way to attain the highest quality (except possibly vinyl, but that's another discussion).
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