@conversionbox wrote:
I am seriously thinkin about a change from good old standard vanilla mp3 files to the remarkably similar but slightly better vorbis format. Before I do this I want to confirm/ask a few things. First is it true that I can convert to vorbis at a lower bitrate (giving me smaller files) and get a very similar similar sound quality (I dont mind if its not quite as good but Its gota be close). If this is true what rate should I use(most of my mp3s are at 256)? Secondly if I install the plugin WMP will handle Vorbis format correct, and what plugin would you who use vorbis and WMP recommed? Third, What is a good conversion program? Fourth, If I convert will my tags go with it? Finally and this is a big one… Is there a way (Possibly a Dos code) that I can plug my Fuze in to my computer and get a print off of the file names that are saved on the fuze (I have over 600 tracks on it [including SD card] and going thru writing it down would take a month)?
Thanks Guys!
Audio codec tests are subjective, based on the codec, bitrate or quality setting, type of music used. I too think ogg can achieve similar quality at lower bitrates than mp3 for the type of music I listen. Search the net and check, there is always a subjective test report to be read. With higher capacity memory cards it might be better staying with the original file, than re-encoding it with another codec therefore losing some quality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codec_listening_test
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=36465
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=36465
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=best+audio+format
You may want to take a song and re-encode it into ogg format at different bit rates and compare it yourself and then compare file sizes. It takes time but you will be able to find the quality vs file size that best suits your needs.
For myself, I use lame codec Variable bit rate V2 - setting. VBR files are smaller, and they sound fine for my listening needs.
Conversion programs I like are foobar2000 (free) and dbpoweramp music convert (my fav/ not free).
http://www.foobar2000.org/
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/download.htm
Alternative places to find codecs:
http://www.free-codecs.com/Audio_Codecs.htm
http://www.rarewares.org/
I like MediaMonkey and use it to catalog my music collection.
http://www.mediamonkey.com/
My recommendation might be, spend less time re-encoding, and buy a larger memory card, and enjoy the music