Whats the best encoding/recoding software for mp3' s or aac for an ipod or just the best in general?
Define 'best'.
You could always read the wiki or use the search function to start with.
Whats the best encoding/recoding software for mp3' s or aac for an ipod or just the best in general?
Are you asking about ripping software (turning a CD into digital files) or encoding from one digital format to another? For ripping, many recommend EAC or dbpoweramp or CueTools. These run on windows machines and can do secure ripping with the added benefit of using ACCURATERIP for comparisons to the rips of many others. For creating a digital format from another (e.g., from FLAC to mp3), you can use foobar2000, dbpoweramp, or many other good programs.
I personally use dbpoweramp for ripping CDs to FLAC. Then I use dbpoweramp conversion function to create mp3 files for use on ipods, iphones, and other portable devices.