A question about bit rates
 

Does it actually matter which one I download? I can never notice a discernible difference between 320kps and 190kps. I just downloaded an album which was 80mb for it's 190kps version. I could have got it in 320kps but that weighs in at 135mb. Normally it wouldn't matter and I would always go for the seemingly higher quality audio but I have a monthly download limit to stick to otherwise I have to pay more on my broadband bills. Is the difference in quality only maybe noticeable when playing the music back on higher end equipment maybe? My earphones that I listen to most of my music through are pretty cheap and basic admittedly.

If you don't notice a difference, then don't worry about it. It is my understanding that the vast majority of people cannot ascertain the difference after something like 182kps. It's all relative, but if you still enjoy it at 190, then save yourself the bandwidth.

Can you notice a significant difference in sound quality?

Me? No. I tried to for a long time, and I still rip CDs at 256, but the fact is no, I can't say I've heard a significant difference. One of our members actually devised a test comparing bit rates in sound clips, and even the members who prided themselves on their ability to discern did no better than the rest of us. :laughing: I think I was correct 35% of the time or something, and it was only between the most dramatic changes.

I think that test has answered my question. :yeah:

The only real difference I notice between 320kbps and 192kbps is slightly clearer bass and bass drums. But there's not really enough of a difference to really care that much, I'd happily enough settle for a 192kbps rip.

It really depends on your hardware as well. Listening to 320kbps on a pair of $4 headphones is useless.

Yeah I thought that. I have a good 800 watt sound system that I play my music through but I'm due an upgrade from my £15 (about $24) earphones.

If you're downloading for free, then why worry? You're not paying for it, so just be glad that it's available.

I'm listening to Abbey Road right now, which is one of my favorite albums at the moment. It's a 192kbps rip, and I think that it sounds fine.

I don't like your philosophy.

If you're broke and you're going out to buy a ring for your girl with your own hard-earned cash, you might go zirconium over diamond. But if you break into a jeweler's and see a diamond ring sitting next to a zirconium ring, you're not going to grab the zirconium and just be happy with what you got. No, you're going to grab the diamond, because hey - you're not paying for it!

If you're going to steal something, you might as well steal the best that is available.

As such, I download and rip in FLAC. No, it doesn't sound any better than V0 VBR or 320 CBR, but if I can get an exact, bitperfect, 1:1 copy of the original CD, I figure I might as well...