Posted by NRen2k5 on 11/08/06 05:47

Mark A wrote:
> I read the archives, but assuming that one has the newest version of an iPod
> (80 GB Video) and latest iTunes software (7.02), which one of these is the
> best quality. All music is imported from CD's
>
> MP3 - 320 kbps (stereo), VBR (highest quality setting), Sample rate (choice
> of 44,100 or 48,000 kHz or Auto)
>
> AAC - 256kbps (stereo), VBR, Sample rate (choice of 44,100 or 48,000 kHz or
> Auto)
>
> AAC - 320 kbps (stereo), No VBR, Sample rate (choice of 44,100 or 48,000
> kHz, or Auto)
>
> Note that with AAC, I cannot select 320 kbps with VBR using iTunes software.

The third choice would be best, but it's overkill.

For CD's, choose 44,100Hz.

The reason you can't choose 320kbps with VBR is because VBR is Variable
Bitrate, meaning the bitrate is allowed to change to improve the
quality. You can't have a VBR average bitrate of 320kbps if 320kbps is
the highest bitrate possible - the average will always be lower.

[Back to original message]