Are 320kbps MP3's worthy of a setup worth $600+?

[toxic888]

Yes? ... or No? I'm fairly new to Hi-Fi sound, so I don't have too much experience when it comes to the ratio between source/price/benefit.

ex: 320kbps MP3 -> iPod 3G nano -> iPod Dock Out -> Corda 3Move/D2 Boa for ex.) -> HFI 780/Denon AH D2000/Image X10 (for ex.)

Any recommendations, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated

 

[TheMarchingMule]

It's up to only you in the end. ABX the two files (lossy and lossless) via foobar2000 and see if you can notice the difference. Of course, the Catch-22 is that you won't know if you can really hear the difference with your proposed rig UNTIL you actually buy it.

But it's almost a given that you will hear an overall improvement, regardless. IMO, at the difference of 320 and lossless, you're really picking hairs.

 

[Brian_the_King]

Yea it's fine. But you will undoubtedly achieve better sound right out of a CD player.

I have compared my rig as it is in the link below, and then coming out of the CDP in the 'stereo' link into my GoVibe via the RCA -> 1/8" cord from Signal Cable.. very definite difference.

I don't have any experience with lossless vs compressed audio on a DAP though..

 

[Jaska]

It doesn't look to me like the files themselves would be the weak link in the chain, so no worries about the MP3s. I personally don't (any longer) see much point in investing too heavily in cables, amps or even headphones for portable sources. Or, to be more specific, I would really try to contain costs for the cables and the portable amp. A great set of headphones can at least be enjoyed--to some extent--with a "decent" portable setup, and much more so with home equipment if you have/will have an alternate setup at your disposal.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

On a side note, I don't see why the OP is worried about this. Assuming he has the original CDs, he can always re-rip them at the higher bitrate.

 

[MaZa]

Yes. Actually very few people can even tell the difference between CD/lossless and high quality Mp3 that is done with good encoder (they are not all same. LAME recommended) even with high end rig. Good audio rig wont go to waste IMHO. Still, if you have original CDs you could always rerip them in lossless like Flac or APE, so you would have 100% accurate copy of the CD. They are bit bigger than Mp3s, but harddrive space is so cheap nowadays... This is for computer use that is. 320kbps CBR or 256kbps VBR Mp3's are more than enough for portable uses.

 

[AllEars]

Maybe I don't understand your question correctly but if your asking if it's worth spending $600 on an ipod or other device so you can strictly listen to 320kbs .MP3 files then in my opinion I would say no.

On the other hand if you were willing to sacrafice the total number of songs on hand and then decide to use .Wav files then spending $600 would be worth it.

Personally I can hear an immediate difference between 320kb files verses .Wavs and only a slight difference between Apple Lossless verses .320kb so I would say skip the .320 and Apple Lossless and just go stright .WAV only.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllEars /img/forum/go_quote.gif Personally I can hear an immediate difference between 320kb files verses .Wavs and only a slight difference between Apple Lossless verses .320kb so I would say skip the .320 and Apple Lossless and just go stright .WAV only.

Oh no you didn't. Did you just say that you can hear a difference between lossless formats?

 

[Bullseye]

Shhhhh ... don't tell.... he is BATMAN!

 

[Calexico]

Lol. Only valid reason I could see for that is that your computer sucks and can't decode compressed lossless audio.

 

[toxic888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif On a side note, I don't see why the OP is worried about this. Assuming he has the original CDs, he can always re-rip them at the higher bitrate.

Not enough room on my 8GB iPod, why was I so stupid? I should have gotten a Classic...

 

[jsplice]

This is kind of a silly poll. Where is the choice for "no mp3s are worthy of a $600+ rig"? That is what I would say....

Go FLAC and don't look back.

 

[MaZa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh no you didn't. Did you just say that you can hear a difference between lossless formats?

That would be impossible indeed. There is no difference between lossless and WAV/PCM, as lossless is basically very much like ZIP/RAR/ACE/Whatever file compression with exception that it can play its contents in real time and has other stuff like tags etc...

 

[Calexico]

Return it and get the classic lol. Really it's a personal decision. I'd imagine with great equipment and a decent set of ears, you can discern between ALAC and 320kbps. That may help you enjoy your music more. But does having more music to choose from improve your enjoyment on a larger scale?

5% improvement in SQ (not really, I bet it's much less, but whatever) vs. ~150% increase in your song catalog.

 

[vvanrij]

Ok who is the moron that didn't vote "yes" hahahah.