Hi guys
Basically I have recently been converting all my FLAC files to 128kb AAC files to put on a cloud server so I can use on my phones and what-not when away from home. The reason for the low bitrate is the limited cloud storage space. I use the highest possible VBR MP3 files on my Cowon J3 so the cloud music is really only for backup and so I can put absolutely EVERYTHING on there.
Even though the vast majority of my collection is in FLAC, I do have some MP3 files too. Most of them are 320 CBR and I will need to downsize them to get them all on the cloud. What I'm wondering is, will I be better off converting them to something like 128 VBR MP3 or to 128kb AAC? Normally I'd always choose AAC at that bitrate but I'm worried if converting to a different format from MP3 will result in worse quality than just converting to 128 VBR MP3.
Thanks in advanced for any help.
It has been reported that converting mp3 to mp3 gives worse results than mp3 to other lossy formats, but this is just anecdotal. You really should test for yourself.
Our very own Wiki / Knowledgebase includes an article with many links to past experiences, all with TOS#8 style evidence
http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Transcoding (http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Transcoding)
AAC it is then!
Cheers
It has been reported that converting mp3 to mp3 gives worse results than mp3 to other lossy formats
I thought the conversion process involved decoding the source file to an intermediate uncompressed format.
This guy did few test with lossy codecs re-compressing up to 100 times. I think once for personal purposes is fine.
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....st&p=828298 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=100067&view=findpost&p=828298)
It has been reported that converting mp3 to mp3 gives worse results than mp3 to other lossy formats
I thought the conversion process involved decoding the source file to an intermediate uncompressed format.
That's correct, though it doesn't change the possibility that transcoding mp3 to a different lossy format will give better results, especially with smearing.