Skylab
Reviewerus Prolificus
The easiest way to convert FLAC to ALAC is using dbpoweramp.
Originally Posted by Hifivoice /img/forum/go_quote.gif There are more aspects to an iPod than SQ only. The 160GB is the most important argument to me. I also like the GUI of the new iPod. And although the SQ is disappointing compared to a 5G, it isn't a disaster (the 3G is much worse for instance). Finally, I have my stereo home equipment as a "backup" for good SQ. Marc |
Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif The easiest way to convert FLAC to ALAC is using dbpoweramp. |
Originally Posted by druelle /img/forum/go_quote.gif Be very careful! There's a documented bug with dbPoweramp and the ALAC codec. When you play the converted ALAC files on your iPod some tracks will randomly skip and I found that they weren't gapless. I did a lot of Googling and forum reading and found a great (albeit slower) way to convert from .FLAC to .ALAC: 1) (if you haven't already) Download foobar2000 from here: http://www.foobar2000.org/ 1a) Download the ALAC component plugin here: http://www.foobar2000.org/components/foo_input_alac.zip 2) Download "iTunesencode.exe" from here: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/...howtopic=35242 3) In your foobar2000 settings, go to Preferences --> Tools --> Converter Encoder: Custom Encoder: path to iTunesEncode.exe <ex: C:\iTunesencode.exe> Extension: m4a Parameters: -e "Lossless Encoder" -a "%artist%" -l "%album%" -t "%title%" -g "%genre%" -y %date% -n %tracknumber% -i %s -o %d -d Format is: lossless Highest BPM mode supported: 16 Display name: ALAC 4) Drag the FLAC files into the foobar2000 window, right click and select convert --> convert to... and select the ALAC profile you created earlier. Foobar/iTunes will convert in the background. The only problem I've encountered is that with a dual-core CPU foobar will try and open 2 encoding tasks simultaneously and it will fail. To get around this,when foobar2000 is running (but not yet converting) go into task manager (ctrl-alt-del) and right click on "foobar2000.exe" --> affinity and only select "CPU 0" This did the trick for me. It seems I have to do this every time I start foobar (the settings don't seem to stick). EDIT: To permanently set foobar2000 to only use 1 of the cores on a dual-core CPU, download this: http://www.reality-xp.com/support/kn...c/imagecfg.zip and copy it to your foobar directory. Run cmd.exe then type "imagecfg -a 0x1 foobar2000.exe" It will permanently patch the program to use only 1 core (it alters the file, so be careful if you use this method for other programs) Let me know if ithis works for you. The converted ALAC files play flawless on my iPod (because they're encoded directly through iTunes). |
Originally Posted by MartyM /img/forum/go_quote.gif My experience with the 160GB Classic: Sound: Petty good overall. Not as nearly as liquid as my iMod though. UI: This is where it breaks down. The design of the UI is much nicer and more polished than previous generations. It does not, however, work smoothly though. 2-4 seconds lag time to go from one menu to another, or select an album. Frustrating. I keep pictures on my iPods. This feature is almost useless on my Classic. Slide-show works, but when you have 500+ pic in an album and want to show someone certain pics, you don't want to have to watch the whole slide-show. You can't toggle through the pics with the scroll wheel. You can't select pics from the thumbs screen. It just doesn't work. I understand a lot of guys here don't care about anything but the sound, but for me the iPod is an "all in one" solution. Start taking features away from the thing and it takes away the usefulness of the product. The UI was a deal breaker for me. Mine is going back. |