Which high quality file format to use on an Archos 504?

[Nick H.]

I'm not too technical, so please bear with me. The Archos 504 specs say it supports "Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 Kbits/s CBR & VBR, WMA, Protected WMA, WAV (PCM/ADPCM). With optional software plug-ins: AAC music files and AC3 stereo sound files."

So...am I right in thinking that none of these formats are lossless, and that if I want top quality sound I have to go with WAVs which are about 700 MB per CD?

 

[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

That's right. You're either stuck doing .WAV or really low-compression lossy files. I'd recommend 320 kbps AAC. It's still not THAT good, but it's better than WMA and MP3.

 

[Nick H.]

I don't think I could live with 320 kbps AACs. I have a very good amp (a Canford) and intend to get some high end IEMs (maybe Triple-Fis or UM3s) so I think a compromise on file quality would be a waste, don't you?

The idea is to take a lot of music with me when I go travelling, so I suppose my PMP choices are likely to be the 160 gig Archos, or an 80 gig iPod or mPack P800. With the iPod and mPack I could go with a lossless format and probably store the same amount of music as the Archos. Does that sound like a plan?

 

[MrFaust]

I've talked to the folks at Archos USA several times about adding FLAC support. It is always teh same reply. Our engineers are looking in to it. I did this with the AV500 and again just a month ago when I was considering getting the 160gb 504. The only lossless you can play on there is WAV. But with a 160gb of room, you can still load a decent liberary of music even in wav format.

 

[sachu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrFaust /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've talked to the folks at Archos USA several times about adding FLAC support. It is always teh same reply. Our engineers are looking in to it. I did this with the AV500 and again just a month ago when I was considering getting the 160gb 504. The only lossless you can play on there is WAV. But with a 160gb of room, you can still load a decent liberary of music even in wav format.

I have an archos Gmini 402 and have the same complaint.
I am unable to play any of my FLAC or AAC on it. They seem to have some very good products but lose out pretty big on this feature.

I use 320kbps LAME encoded MP3s on mine.