spacewaitress

I have been ripping all my CDs to WMA format (64 kbps) because I like the small size of the files. However, I am beginning to grow suspicious of the sound quality of WMA files. What format are you all using to rip your CDs and transfer to the DJ? Any suggestions for best format?

hellmachine

mp3 vbr should be best
at least in terms what the ddj can handle
no wma, doesn't preserve sound as good (check out the audiograbber forum or hydrogenaudio)

GeekPro

Yeah,

VBR mp3's are the way to go. I use 192K VBR or alt preset extreme with "Exact Audio Copy" using the "Lame" encoder. You can fit about 230 CD's on the DJ20 with this method.

TheBigNewt

OK, I did a post awhile ago about this. I ripped the same track to wma 64, 128 and 160, mp3 128 and vbr 160 max, because these were the only "practical" bitrates I'd consider (I have 3200 tracks and want to add lots more). I loaded the 5 tracks and used Sony Funtopias to listed. I played them in random order to my wife, and she did the same. We could not consistently pick out a "best" track or one that sounded "worst". I know, the "bitrate debate" is rampant with zealots on forums throughout the land, but I wonder how many could really pass my blindfold test (with some money on it!)?

spacewaitress

I can hear a definite difference between WMA recorded at 64 kbps and 192 kpbs. I'm trying to get a good sound for a specific CD, "" by American Analog Set. The cymbals especially sound tinny at 64 kbps. However, neither bitrate comes close to the sound I get from the actual CD.

This makes me want to cry. I bought a 20 gig DJ because I have a decent-size music collection and I want to be able to carry it all with me. But the sound I'm getting from WMA files doesn't sound very realistic, even at higher bitrates.

I don't consider myself to be an audiophile (i.e. I'm not a snob about equipment and I don't care to spend a lot of money), but I do have a sensitive ear. I want music that sounds like the actual recording, not just a reminder of what the song is.

(Kind of off-topic, but I wonder if better headphones would help? I know they can't create sounds that aren't there to begin with, but I'm wondering if WMA [or MP3 or any other "lossy" format] would be more tolerable with better headphones. I only have cheapie earbuds right now.)

Like I said, I've been using WMA because of the small size and the built-in VBR, but maybe I should be using something else? I don't want to go much higher than 120 kbps, though, as my whole intention with buying a high-capacity digital audio player was the ability to carry a LOT of music with me.

spacewaitress

What program do you use?

spacewaitress

OK I just downloaded Audiograbber and ripped the CD using LAME. It sounds about 10 times better.

The only problem is, Audiograbber doesn't automatically set up folders in my c: directory the way Musicmatch does. Is there any way to get it to do this?

Man, the sound is so good compared to those crappy WMA files. Too bad I've already ripped about half my collection the old way. Back to the drawing board.

greatfujimori

In Audiograbber, go to Settings>General Settings. Then, under the "naming" part, you can customize how you want things to work. I have it set to store files in "D:\My Music" and under the advanced track name section, I have "%0\%2\%1 - %4" - that is, Artist\Album\Artist - Title.mp3.

TheBigNewt

You can just "add" the Audiograbber ripped files to you MM Library. Then you have them organized just like you ripped the other ones. Just open the Library, hit ADD and find 'em where AG sends them. The actual album folders will stay where they were, MM just copys the tags to the library so you can play them or edit them. And whatever you do GET RID of the crummy earbuds!

GeekPro

Exact Audio Copy & LAME

Hybernation

Does audiograbber create a better sounding 192kb MP3 than MM?!? I've ripped 250+ CD's with MM! Do I need to start over and use audiograbber?

__________________
J.S.H.

BLiNk6128

i use MP3 at 128 kbps. i've tried WMA at 64 kbps and MP3pro at 92 kbps and they sounded horrible on the DJ. i did notice that WMA at 96 kbps sound pretty good.

greatfujimori

Only if Musicmatch encoded with "regular" MP3 as opposed to LAME. LAME sounds better; additionally, it's variable bitrate (vbr) which makes things sound better. However, a regular 192kbps MP3 will sound just fine; I wouldn't worry about things, especially if you've ripped 250 CDs.

RichNY

Anyone tried VBR recording through Musicmatch? Haven't received my DJ yet (due here on Thursday!), but have been using Musicmatch for a while. If so, what % setting do you use?

Thanks!