[pata2001]

VBR > CBR. So instead of thinking about specific bitrate, just use Lame MP3 with -V 2 setting.

 

[Punnisher]

I use EAC to rip to FLAC. Then I use foobar2000 to batch convert to v0 mp3. So I have 2 libraries of identical music, one FLAC and one V0.

I think you should use V0. V1 doesn't save much more space in my experience. My whole library only shrunk by about 250mb. That was for ~3000 songs back then. You might as well go as high quality mp3 as possible, even if you can't tell the difference.

 

[Omari149]

is there anything organized like windows media player, zune, or iTunes?

 

[Omari149]

There has been a slight change in plans, When I said I was getting the ipod I researched more players and ran across the Cowon S9 and I've read some of the reviews and I even tried looking for the negative ones but there weren't any. I've already placed an order for it on amazon today, so it will just be my Zune and my S9. Is there anything such as problems I should be looking out for when I get the S9?

 

[Young Spade]

Nothing less than 256k. If you are planning to get better sounding headphones and stuff in the future I would say 320 at least. ALAC or WAV/FLAC is better but if you want to save space..... get 320/256.

 

[RASeymour]

Use EAC to rip or DBPoweramp if you want bells and whistles.

 

[MD1032]

I use 320 kbps CBR. No detectable difference between it and WAV, and no compatibility issues whatsoever. Sometimes VBR MP3's can mess up on older MP3 players, I've found.

 

[0x000]

Since you decided to get the S9, I would choose Ogg Vorbis -q6. This can save space, as Vorbis generally achieves transparency at lower bitrates than LAME.

 

[Omari149]

ok my s9 and my Zune came in today at the same time, and wow the S9 blew me away. I'll post some pics of them together later after I get all my stuff put on them.