[falis]

Do a search for FoxTab AudioConverter.

 

[ekliptiko]

i like dbpoweramp. but it costs $.
 
try xrecode

 

[pedxing]

if you are stuck in windows and need to convert to AAC, I suggest investigating qtaeenc (look it up on google for download link), a command line front end for quicktime.  Obviously, you need quick time before it can run.  You should be able to use foobar2000 as the framework or driver to automate the conversion process.  It will take some elbow grease to get it working.  I personally use payware dbpoweramp and its open ended command line plugin because it can advantage of multiple cores.
 
I get the sense no AAC encoder is 100% nailed down, or at least that was my consensus two years ago.  Go shopping for which one has the psycho acoustic models and compression capabilities that best fit your requirements.

 

[Ericy]

dbpoweramp is what I use, seems like the easiest to setup and use

 

[limpidglitch]

XiphQT might be the answer you are looking for, if you've already got iTunes and QuickTime.
I've used Fluke for a while now, which is based the same priciples, just for Mac. It allows me to play and convert from FLAC and Ogg to AAC.

 

[melro]

For me, xrecode II is the best.

 

[pompon]

X2 for Nero AAC and all the convenience to use Foobar2000 to convert your songs!
 
 

 

[khaos974]

X3 for Nero AAC and all the convenience to use Foobar2000 to convert your songs!

 

[Luisluigi]

Foobat2000 along with Nero worked out pretty well, I needed a high quality converter for this meditation audio and it has worked excellent

 

[coolguyalex]

For Mac, XLD is hands down the best. 

 

[A_Man_Eating_Duck]

I think foobar2000 and either QAAC or the FHG AAC encoder from winamp using the wrapper are much better encoders than Nero

http://listening-tests.hydrogenaudio.org/igorc/aac-96-a/results.html

 

[hogger129]

Buy dBpoweramp.  It does everything you will need - ripping, converting, they even have PerfectTunes to check the integrity of rips to make sure they're accurate.  The metadata options are extremely easy to setup.  The whole program is easy to set up.  They have a free trial I think if you are not sure about buying it for $38.  I have it and do not regret it at all.  Very good program.
 
 

 I think foobar2000 and either QAAC or the FHG AAC encoder from winamp using the wrapper are much better encoders than Nero

 
What are your thoughts on the FDK AAC encoder found here - http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?30538-codec-m4a-FDK-AAC-Encoder?

 

[boxjon]

Foobar does a great job for converting FLAC to AAC and I can tell you that I don't really notice a difference at all with JBL 2500 or Beyer DT 990 PRO 250ohms.

 

[Milanche78]

Ill give it a try, but I read that the Apple AAC encoder is superior to Neros.