Audio conversion of FLAC & ALAC files

[Music Alchemist]

 

Music, 

 
Call me Alchemist.

 

Thank you very much for your thorough post on this topic, and for the welcome! 

 
No prob. I put a bit of effort into it. Too bad your thread title doesn't reflect the diverse content of the thread. (Less people will see it because of that.)
 

I guess figuring out your favorite sound signature is like figuring out your favorite flavor or brand of wine, based on that terminology link. lol 

 
You may find that you prefer specific headphones with certain genres.
 

Yeah the mastering apparently has a lot to do with it. 

 
The mastering has everything to do with it.

(Just kidding. The recording process is even more important.)
 
By the way, have you ever heard an unmastered album? Some of them sound really bad before the mastering engineer works his magic.
 

I did use dbPoweramp last week to convert some FLAC files to ALAC, and I will say it did a FANTASTIC job! 

 
I love dBpoweramp for ripping CDs, converting files, editing tags and artwork, and even doing weird experiments with audio.
 

I thought AAC files were just basically the Apple "version" of mp3s? So ok they're better, but I'm hesitant to believe that an AAC is really the same sounding as a lossless track. I'd honestly have to test myself or be tested on that to see if I couldn't tell a difference. 

 
AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding, is the successor to MP3, and is a superior lossy format. It was not developed by Apple, though they did increase its popularity with the iTunes Store.
 
I'm not entirely sure that it's impossible to distinguish between 256 kbps AAC and lossless. In my own listening tests, I thought I could sometimes hear subtle differences, but it could have been my imagination. They were only casual (albeit extensive) tests, at any rate.
 
Either way, if you need the extra space for a portable player, you might as well compress your files, and if you have plenty of space, you don't need to compress them.
 

What's really the difference between say a good $200-$300 pair of headphones and a $1000 pair? Would most ppl be able to tell the difference? 

 
Aside from hearing for yourself (which you can do by going to meets and having auditions at shops), I suggest reading the high-end section of the latest Head-Fi Buying Guide to get a general idea of what they have to offer. For more details, there are endless reviews published online.
 
Anyone who isn't deaf can hear the difference between headphones, but price is only one factor. There are headphones that sound downright awful in every price bracket, so spending more money doesn't guarantee anything. If you ever decide to upgrade, plenty of members here can guide you.
 

I'll consider the Focal pair, though I'd read they weren't the most comfortable to wear (http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-full-size-sealed). I'm gonna check out the prices on Black Friday and am hoping one of those on my Amazon wish list go down below $200, though I may just go before then and buy a Sony or Sennheiser pair. I'm not looking to go over $200, and I know Amazon will (somewhat) help with that. 

 
There are comfort and build quality issues with those, yes.
 

From this list Music, which one is your next favorite (aside from the Focal ones): 
 
In no particular order....................Beats Studio Over-Ear Headphones, Beats Pro Over-Ear Headphone, V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear, NAD VISO HP50, Sony MDR-1A, Sony MDR-1R, Harman Kardon NC (noise-cancelling), and Sennheiser HD 598. 

 
The M-100. Read this InnerFidelity review to get a better feel about them.
 
(But if you aren't going to exceed $200, why ask about $300+ headphones?)
 

Oh yeah, and do you think cable headphones are superior to bluetooth ones? I've heard ppl say yes on that. Just wanted your opinion. 

 
The sound quality of wired headphones (at least the good ones) is superior to that of wireless headphones by a wide margin. Don't even bother with wireless headphones unless you need them for a specific purpose.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist (lol), 
 
I have never heard an unmastered album, nor do I now think I want to. lol
 
Oh ok (on AAC). For now I have tons of space and there's not THAT many Hi-Res albums I want out there just yet (though hdtracks.com's library isn't too bad!), so I will keep getting and using FLAC for now. 
 
I'll check that guide out. Hmm ok. I assume u mean comfort quality for the Senns and build quality issues for the Sony's? lol
 
I will check that review out too. Yeah I got a $30 pair of V-Moda in-ear headphones and they are great for that price. I hear things on them I can't in my car (which also has a pretty good system, but nothing luxury). 
 
Well I'm not LOOKING to exceed $200............... on Amazon, prices tend to be much lower than other stores are, and also, on Black Friday, some great deals can be found too that normally don't exist. 
 
I just found that the Harman/Kardon NC ones I asked about are retail $350 but on their site only $165 (http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/NC/HARKAR-NC_HK_US?skuId=HARKAR-NC_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat680038). Surprisingly, the Amazon price is actually more ($204). Crazy. I have the H/K mod on my current HTC One M8 phone (rooted) and it made a very noticeable difference to me vs before installing it. Before it sounded great but like the speakers were covered by a thin blanket, but now it's like the blanket is off. So now I'm a fan of them as well. Can I ask what your personal opinion is of this model or just H/K themselves? I know they're used in BMWs and Merecedes-Benzs, which isn't exactly a bad thing. lol They do look really nice too. 
 
Thank You, 
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

 

Oh ok (on AAC). For now I have tons of space and there's not THAT many Hi-Res albums I want out there just yet (though hdtracks.com's library isn't too bad!), so I will keep getting and using FLAC for now. 

 
Fortunately, many of the HD releases for modern albums come from different masters, so it's cool to hear how different some of them sound.
 

I assume u mean comfort quality for the Senns and build quality issues for the Sony's? lol

 
I was referring to problems with the comfort and build quality of the FSP.
 

I will check that review out too. Yeah I got a $30 pair of V-Moda in-ear headphones and they are great for that price. I hear things on them I can't in my car (which also has a pretty good system, but nothing luxury). 

 
V-MODA headphones look great, are built like a tank (at least the M-100), and have a "fun" sound. (Not for when you want accuracy, but when you want boosted bass and treble, pretty much.) Their cables are very durable too.
 

Well I'm not LOOKING to exceed $200............... on Amazon, prices tend to be much lower than other stores are, and also, on Black Friday, some great deals can be found too that normally don't exist. 

 
What is your source? That is, what are you using to listen to headphones with?
 

I just found that the Harman/Kardon NC ones I asked about are retail $350 but on their site only $165 (http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/NC/HARKAR-NC_HK_US?skuId=HARKAR-NC_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat680038). Surprisingly, the Amazon price is actually more ($204). Crazy. I have the H/K mod on my current HTC One M8 phone (rooted) and it made a very noticeable difference to me vs before installing it. Before it sounded great but like the speakers were covered by a thin blanket, but now it's like the blanket is off. So now I'm a fan of them as well.

 
Unless you need noise cancelling for public use (such as on flights), I would advise against ever buying an NC headphone. The extra electronics interfere with the signal, reducing the sound quality.
 

Can I ask what your personal opinion is of this model or just H/K themselves? I know they're used in BMWs and Merecedes-Benzs, which isn't exactly a bad thing. lol They do look really nice too. 

 
I know that Harman own AKG, which is one of the most reputed headphone manufacturers. No other comments from my end.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist, 
 
Yeah I agree. Especially when they do a good job on the masters too.
 
Ok, what's an FSP? lol Please elaborate. 
 
I'll be keeping V-Moda near the top of my list too. The price would have to come down though before I'd actually buy them. Even on Amazon they're $299 now. lol
 
My source would be my phone. Right now it's the HTC One M8, but on the 29th the Sony Xperia Z3 gets released by T-Mobile so I'll be getting that phone to replace my M8. Some say they aren't "loud enough" on headphones, but I'll see when I get it how it is. Just have to find a good volume booster EQ app that ACTUALLY works (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartandroidapps.equalizer), which I have, but not sure it's compatible with that phone. Not sure if I'll even need it yet too.
 
Ok, that is interesting to know. How about this idea............ what if I just left the noise-cancelling feature off (the H/K ones still function with it off, and several ppl have said they don't even need to turn it on for it to keep noise out)?? Do you think they'd be worth getting then? lol I'd rather just get the other H/K ones if I was to buy from them, but the other good ones they have are on-ear and uhh that's not happening. lol Over-ear or bust! Here's the link if you wanna take another look at it (specs too, if you want): http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/NC/HARKAR-NC_HK_US
 
Oh wow, I didn't know that! So you think AKG is better than H/K, or not sure? Amazon has the AKG K550s for only $209, and they were highly rated on Inner Fidelity too: "For most audio pros, musicians, and audiophiles who are in search of a great all-around sealed headphone, the AKG K550 would be my top recommendation. I love these cans!" Both the H/K NC ones and the AKG K550s were originally $350 retail. 
 
Thanks, 
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

 

Ok, what's an FSP? lol Please elaborate. 

 
FSP = Focal Spirit Professional
 

My source would be my phone. Right now it's the HTC One M8, but on the 29th the Sony Xperia Z3 gets released by T-Mobile so I'll be getting that phone to replace my M8. Some say they aren't "loud enough" on headphones, but I'll see when I get it how it is. Just have to find a good volume booster EQ app that ACTUALLY works (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartandroidapps.equalizer), which I have, but not sure it's compatible with that phone. Not sure if I'll even need it yet too.

 
You probably won't need more volume, since you're getting sensitive headphones...but you may be able to enhance the sound with an external portable amp and/or DAC.
 

The key is that amps need to deliver enough power for the headphone not to sound distorted at the musical peak—not the average volume. The purpose of a headphone amp is not to blast your ears into deafness! It's to have the sound you hear be cleaner and more controlled, especially during peaks.

 

Ok, that is interesting to know. How about this idea............ what if I just left the noise-cancelling feature off (the H/K ones still function with it off, and several ppl have said they don't even need to turn it on for it to keep noise out)?? Do you think they'd be worth getting then? lol I'd rather just get the other H/K ones if I was to buy from them, but the other good ones they have are on-ear and uhh that's not happening. lol Over-ear or bust! Here's the link if you wanna take another look at it (specs too, if you want): http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/NC/HARKAR-NC_HK_US

 
Just ignore NC headphones unless you need the NC ability. You can get much better value for the same price elsewhere.
 

Oh wow, I didn't know that! So you think AKG is better than H/K, or not sure? Amazon has the AKG K550s for only $209, and they were highly rated on Inner Fidelity too: "For most audio pros, musicians, and audiophiles who are in search of a great all-around sealed headphone, the AKG K550 would be my top recommendation. I love these cans!" Both the H/K NC ones and the AKG K550s were originally $350 retail. 

 
I don't know anything about H/K headphones, honestly...and that says something, since I research headphones all the time. AKG is a solid choice overall.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist,
 
Oh. lol We apparently had some miscommunication there. 
 
Yeah, but then that's another device/purchase I have to have. lol We'll see.
 
Ok. H/Ks out, AKG......... top of my list right now, next to V-Moda ones, Senn, NAD VISO, Sony. 
 
Thanks!!
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

Ok. H/Ks out, AKG......... top of my list right now, next to V-Moda ones, Senn, NAD VISO, Sony.

 
Whatever you do, try hearing them before making a purchase.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist, 
 
That's a lot easier said than done. lol Best Buy only has certain models and not the ones I want. 
 
I think I'm looking the most at AKG, Sony, and Sennheiser now. The other ones I'd have to wait 'til Black Friday for and there's no guarantee of any deal on the models I want. 
 
So, b/t these two, which one gets your vote (I assume the AKG trumps both, but I'm still curious lol)?
 
Sony MDR-1R: http://store.sony.com/premium-hi-res-stereo-headphones-zid27-MDR1R/cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds  ($207 sale price on Amazon, retail: $299)
 
Sennheiser HD 598: http://en-us.sennheiser.com/audio-headphones-high-end-surround-sound-hd-598  ($181 sale price on Amazon, retail: $319) 
 
I'll keep the DAC/amplifier in mind in case the Z3 isn't loud enough. I just hope I don't need it. lol
 
Thanks, 
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

So, b/t these two, which one gets your vote (I assume the AKG trumps both, but I'm still curious lol)?

 
Sennheiser, only because I respect them so much.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist, 
 
Ok that's what I thought you were gonna say. So I guess I'm down b/t the AKG K550 and the Sennheiser HD 598. 
 
Maybe I'll just order both off Amazon and then send back my 2nd fav? lol
 
Oh yeah, what'd you mean earlier when you said: "You probably won't need more volume, since you're getting sensitive headphones"? How do you determine if a pair of headphones are "sensitive"? I'm very interested to know that too. Maybe the ppl who say their headphones are not loud enough when using the new Z3 (some parts of the world already got it a month ago) are using cheaper ones?? 
 
Thank You, 
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

Oh yeah, what'd you mean earlier when you said: "You probably won't need more volume, since you're getting sensitive headphones"? How do you determine if a pair of headphones are "sensitive"? I'm very interested to know that too. Maybe the ppl who say their headphones are not loud enough when using the new Z3 (some parts of the world already got it a month ago) are using cheaper ones?? 

 
Look up their sensitivity (aka efficiency) on Google. I'll do you a quick favor and do that for these two.

HD 598
sensitivity: 112 dB
impedance: 50 ohms
 
K550
sensitivity: 114 dB
impedance: 32 ohms
 
Anything over 100 dB is pretty sensitive, though impedance plays a role too. (Don't worry about that for now.)
 
Either one is fine in terms of having enough volume from your player.
 
And again, it's about technical stuff, not price. More expensive is not always better. (Although generally, the highest-performance headphones have a lower sensitivity and require powerful amplification, while cheap headphones tend to be much more sensitive and therefore easier to drive.)

 

[PurpleAngel]

   Ok that's what I thought you were gonna say. So I guess I'm down b/t the AKG K550 and the Sennheiser HD 598. 
Maybe I'll just order both off Amazon and then send back my 2nd fav? lol
Oh yeah, what'd you mean earlier when you said: "You probably won't need more volume, since you're getting sensitive headphones"? How do you determine if a pair of headphones are "sensitive"? I'm very interested to know that too. Maybe the ppl who say their headphones are not loud enough when using the new Z3 (some parts of the world already got it a month ago) are using cheaper ones?? 
Thank You, 
RockStar2005

I own the K550s and HD558s.
 
AKG K550 and Senn HD598 are both good sounding headphones and both are considered good for surround sound.
But not really a lot of "life" to their sound, a few might even say a little boring, decent bass, but not enough for a basshead.
I would not have a problem using these headphones for movies, music or gaming.

 

[RockStar2005]

Alchemist, 
 
Ok thanks for looking that info up!
 
I hope you're right! lol 
 
I know, but yeah price plays a role too (like impedance).
 
Let me guess, when you say "cheap" you mean like under $400? lol
 
So then why the heck were those ppl on xda saying it wasn't loud enough on headphones? Were they just using super expensive headphones?? I know at least one of them wasn't, or at least I'm pretty sure she wasn't. 
 
Thank You, 
 
RockStar2005

 

[Music Alchemist]

Let me guess, when you say "cheap" you mean like under $400? lol  
So then why the heck were those ppl on xda saying it wasn't loud enough on headphones? Were they just using super expensive headphones?? I know at least one of them wasn't, or at least I'm pretty sure she wasn't. 

 
I was thinking under $100 when I said cheap, but most headphones under $400 are fairly sensitive as well.
 
Maybe the phone's built-in amp is really weak? I don't know.

 

[RockStar2005]

Hey Angel, 
 
Well I like there to be some bass there, but I don't listen to much hip-hop or dance music, so as long as there's a good strong "presence" of bass, I'm fine with that. 
 
If I decide to go ahead with my "proposed plan" of buying both Senn 598 and AKG K550 off Amazon and then returning the one I like 2nd-best, then I should be able to walk away saying I tried them both out and made the best decision I could have. 
 
Thank you for your input. My prediction is if I get both to try out, I will keep the AKGs, but we'll see. I tried out the Senn HD 650 at Best Buy last week and they felt like the ear parts were shaped a lil odd. It was a real brief trial so I wanna give Senn a second chance, esp since they weren't the 598s. I was in a hurry so may not have had them on properly too. 
 
RockStar2005