Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,236
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,236 |
Just started rippin'...
Using CDex directly from CD to mp3.
Here's how I configured CDex...let me know if I should change anything...
On the encoder tab...
Thread Priority "Normal"
Encoder "Lame MP3 Encoder (version 1.30, engine 3.92 MMX)
Encoder Options
Version - MPEG I
Bitrate Min - 320kbs
Mode - Stereo
Quality - Very High Quality (q=0)
"On-the-fly MP3 Encoding" is checked
VBR Method - Disabled
Output Samplerate - 44100
Sound right? It's all pretty much Greek to me.
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Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,236
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,236 |
So far so good...the only thing disapointing is the time it takes to rip. It's averaging about 10-15 minutes per disc or about 25% of the disc's real time.
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Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 160
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 160 |
I have always used Music Match. I've been using it for years and find it to be very good.
Shag
Shag
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Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 342
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 342 |
Spiff,
Part of the reason for the long rip-times is the high bitrate you appear to be using. You may want to sample the different bitrates to see where your sweet-spot is. You may find that you might not hear a difference at a lower bitrate. It all depends where your comfort zone is.
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Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,488
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,488 |
On my old computer it took me about 15 mins per cd, my settings are the same on both computers so im not sure what contributes to the faster ripping. But i am looking at my settings and i have quality set to normal. I think the mp3's im getting are good quality.
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Re: OT: Best way to convert CD's to mp3?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21
hobbyist
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hobbyist
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21 |
I've tried other programs, but I prefer EAC (Exact Audio Copy) for ripping CD's. It's got tons of options, but it also has a "wizard" which can make the setup painless.
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MP3s on a handheld?
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
local
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local
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 274 |
I have tried 320 and 128 settings on MP3s for taking with me (on a Sony PDA) and no matter which headphones I use they sound about the same.
Is there no point in ripping at 320 if you are going to try to squeeze the tunes through sub $100 headphones?
I am using Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones and Sennheiser PX100s - both supposedly pretty good for under $100 headphones. I can't see spending $200 or more on headphones that go outside and may get busted.
I like the fantopias better because they block out outside noise and they are smaller, but the Sennheisers are probably better inside.
edit--
Headphones may be the bottleneck of maybe it is my ears. I should compare them on my home system, duh!
Last edited by donaldekelly; 12/13/04 02:44 AM.
M22s, QS4s, M2 center, Hsu stf-1.
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Re: MP3s on a handheld?
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1 |
Hi Don,
I think Craig's concern (which I share) is optimizing quality so that you can use ripped-to-MP3 audio as a primary source in the home listening environment also.
I'd agree with your assessment, though. For mobile use (in the car, or through headphones), I was not disappointed by the 128 bitrate. I have decent Sony noise-canceling headphones, and a pair of older (but expensive when I bought them) Koss also. Those tracks also sound fine through my Cambridge computer speakers. However, when I listen to them through the main M60 system, I am not satisfied.
I like Musicmatch fine, and am open to the other software alternatives suggested. My strategic direction now is that, if I am going to spend the time to rip and re-rip a large part of my CD collection, I want the resulting files to provide multimedia service for all of my listening devices.
I would be very interested to hear if your impressions of the 128 files are similar to mine. Maybe it's just me.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: MP3s on a handheld?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,501
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,501 |
Also remember the quality of playback also has A LOT to do with the device decoding the PCM stream.
You can rip a high quality MP3 and it will sound like doodoo if you play it back on a cheap device with cheap DAC's....it will sound bad. Play it back on a good device with good DAC's and it will sound great.
I use the DAC's on my pre/pro.....sounds great!
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Re: MP3s on a handheld?
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1 |
Excellent point, Curtis. Thank you very much for helping me keep an eye on ALL of the links in the chain.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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