sound quality

[ecos]

hello

can you tell me please how to compare sound (music files) and say whats better quality?

thanks

[Baldrick]

Listen to them.

You can compare file format, audio bitrate and such but it doesn't really tell the quality.

[ecos]

ears for sure cant distinguish

there are some things that are sure, eg

1) 320kbps is better than 256kbps
2) lossless codec is better than mp3 codec

I need more like the above, eg, which codec is better than other, VBR is better than CBR, etc

is there a list/tutorial/something?

[redwudz]

Sure, PCM is better than MP3, but it takes up a lot more space. And unless your source audio is high quality, it doesn't make much difference what format you convert it to.

I favor AC3, especially 5.1 or better for good quality in a fairly small space. For more compaction, look to Ogg. It has a lot of potential. There are other audio codecs which may be even better for high compaction and small space, but most of the time, for compatibility, you need to stick to 'mainstream' formats.

For AVI type video (Xvid, etc.), Aud-X is an interesting option, instead of MP3.

Generally, higher audio bitrates are better, whatever format. But at some point you sacrifice video quality if you use PCM and have a limited room for video/audio. If you have a short video and can afford the space for PCM, use it.

But bottom line, as Baldrick says, your ear is the best judge of quality.

[ecos]

thanks

But at some point you sacrifice video quality

I am interested in audio only

is there a nice comparison table, tutorial, reference,?

[Nitro89]

this may help

http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/bitrate_vs_quality.htm

[Nitro89]

if you want the best sound, use a FLAC encoder, none of the quality is lost although the file size is around 10mb per minute

[ecos]

thanks

fyi I found this
http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lossless_comparison

if you have more, please post

[edDV]

Audio is a broad topic. Maybe you could talk about the source format/quality and how you want it played (e.g. web stream, ipod or theater performance) ?

[Delerious]

hello

can you tell me please how to compare sound (music files) and say whats better quality?

thanks

You can use an ABX program. See http://www.pcabx.com/ for one such program.

J

[Midzuki]

if you want the best sound, use a FLAC encoder, none of the quality is lost
although the file size is around 10mb per minute

I thought "10MB per minute" meant "16-bit stereo 44.1kHz PCM".
FLAC usually is around 6 MB per minute, IIRC.

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