Aloha again Axiomites. Just got a new Squeezebox - no more expensive than another multidisk changer. I'm trying to decide what file type / quality to use for ripping CD's. I was hoping to get feedback regarding the levels at which users can actually hear audible differences on their systems. For example, 128 kbs MP3 sounds good on computer speakers, but can a difference be heard when using higher sampling rates or lossless encoding like flac ?

I recently heard somemusic in flac and it sounded pretty good, better than MP3.

Lossless will be significantly better than mp3s encoded at 128kbps. When you get to 256kbps and beyond, then it becomes very difficult to tell the difference.

It depends on your system. I cannot hear a significant difference on my iPod above 192K, but a big one from 128K/192K and a slight one between 160K/192K.

On my sound systen, with my older speakers (DBX-1000; don't even try to look for them on the Web!), I could barely hear the difference between 256K and a CD (but yes with under 256K), so I scanned everything at 320K to be on the safe side. After I received my M80s, I had to rescan everything as lossless. So, again, it depends a lot on what you listen to and on what you do it. Also, I think newer formats such as Vorbis are much better, but I never had the chance to try it on my sound system.

Lossless is forever. Storage is cheap. FLAC me, baby.

I can't hear a difference above 160-192K in an AAC file. Not sure about mp3. In any case, I rip at 256K now, mainly because I still use a 2 GB nano.

On what are you listening them?

M80s.

I redid all my stuff in 320 VBR for space reasons and there is a significant difference from 192 .mp3 (on computer or Creative Zen Nomad).
However, for home, if you've got the space I would go with FLAC.

The clarity of my M60s made me re-rip everything into flac. I am much happier now.

At the same time, I also re-ripped everything to a parallel library of 256 MP3 for my MP3 portable. I experimented and I couldn't tell the dif between 192 and 256 on the portable but I went 256 just in case players improve someday.

I love the Squeezebox. It is normally the first thing I click on , after lights, as soon as I get home.

I am thinking about going to flac myself. I can stream flac files to my denon 3808 so no squeeze box would be needed.

What software is best for ripping cd's to *.flac?

Also, is there anywhere to buy *.flac files online (through some type of subscription service or something)? most online music services only offer mp3 I guess because of file size.

I will need to get a wireless router to use as bridge for my denon since the 3808 does not have built in wifi, but that should be 60 bucks or so

I think the going recommendation for rippers is Exact Audio Copy, which is free. I use Easy CD-DA Extractor, which I like very much, but it costs money.

Thanks all for your thoughts. Terzaghi, there's a good discussion with links for flac ripping software on the squeezebox website, wiki tab I believe. Members at squeezebox seem to think flac is the best choice as well. Have only had a night or two to play with the squeezebox, but I can already see why users dig it - control of your entire music library and internet radio at your finger tips, even with computer off is pretty cool!

EAC works flawlessly but you will need to read the basic FAQ or so to set it up. By set up, I mean setting all your desired parameters for ripping. flac is easier than MP3 as you might have to mess with the field where text parameters are handed of to Lame or whatever other MP3 encoder you use. Lame, etc. is a separate download unless you have it already. I think you also have to download the separate FLAC encoder as well. EAC is really just a gui front end for these encoders.

Hope that doesn't sound intimidating. The faqs guide you through it pretty well well and once it's done, it's done.

The Squeezebox supports three lossless formats, Apple Lossless, FLAC, and WMA Lossless. Any one would probably be fine but FLAC has the advantage of being open. One great thing about lossless formats is that you can convert it to something else without having to rerip your entire cd library. Also, some programs (e.g. Windows Media Player) will automatically convert media files depending on which portable device you're managing.

The best place that I've found about ripping and encoding audio is at the Hydrogen Audio Wiki. There are also forums for more information.

If you're into live concerts, you can download all of the FLAC files you wish for free from the Internet Archive:
http://www.archive.org/details/etree

Only bands that have given written permission are available to download.

I've found a lot of good music and new (to me) bands here. Note that some concerts are available in only flac, or only shn, or both.

Excellent referral, Eno. I've downloaded a whole bunch of Derek Trucks Band and String Cheese Incident from there; it is an amazing resource.

tomt...

I've been a cheesehead for many years now. They are currently my favorite live band. Just started listening to their final concert appearance; excellent quality recording.

Also like the live Trey Anastasio Band shows.