Re: MP3 encoders

["Ian Lowe" <ian@xxxxxxx>]

The best encoder you can get (indendent comparison wih a digital scope) is
the LAME encoder.

If you are looking for the very best quality possible, use VBR encoding,
set
the base rate at 192Kbps, and allow a peak value of 320Kbps. (it's all
command line parameters, in the readme)

If you are looking for "real-world" MP3 encoding, use
>anything< with VBR
160kbps, and it will rival an original CD on most systems. even the much
maligned Xingtech encoder sounds pretty nice at this level.

In a straight blind trial, of Brothers in Arms, "Ride across the
River", I
could not tell the difference between 160kbps FBR and original CDR. Now I
have upgraded my hifi to a Sherwood RV6400 with a pair of Celestion F1s, I
can tell the difference, >JUST<

The original CDR sounds a little "watery", as if the MP3 encoding
process
removes some production artefacts, or studio noise.

at 192Kbps, three is no perceptible difference on >any< system I have
encountered.

Hope that helps.