[7Virtues]

in iTunes there is regular bitrate and variable. Should I be ripping at a standard 320kps or a variable (if so, what settings?)

 

[bigshot]

I use AAC 256 VBR. It works perfect.

 

[Azathoth]

It depends on how you primarily intend to listen to your music. 320kbps CBR is sufficient for me, when playing out of a portable DAP. For home listening out of a laptop + uDAC, FLAC lossless (in your case since you're using iTunes, ALAC).

 

[bigshot]

CBR doesn't add any benefits over VBR except larger file size. You should always use VBR.

 

[conkerman]

I used CBR as some of the devices of yesteryear will not play VBR
 
I was quite an early adopter of streaming, so CBR it was have stuck with 320 kbps mp3.

 

[rosejasmin56]

I'm using AAC 256 VBR because it's too easy for using & working perfect....