Audio File Formats
 

Which do you prefer?

I currently use WMA with a CBR of 192kbps. I started using WMA for two reasons; I hate MP3's and WMA is the only other format that is widely used. I wanted something that I could easily give to someone else and know they would be able to use without having to go download some codec pack.

I tried using Vorbis (OGG) at one time. The portable media player I had at the time (Cowon X5L), and my current one (Cowon Q5W) support that and I wanted to get away from using a proprietary format and use an open source one. Didn't work out well. The player I used wouldn't display track times from OGGs correctly and you had to install codecs on your computer, and maybe even a different program, before you could play them.

my .02
 

If you're going to the trouble to rip and share, why not give it to them in 320 in case they have a good system and/or good ears. Don't let anything distract from the music. Obviously if it's not originally your rip then there's not much you can do about it. But I never rip anything to give to someone else at a lower bitrate. They can stomp on it all they want and make it a mono-96 for all I care. But when they got it from me it was at a decent quality level.

I'm not just talking about for use on here, but for personal use.

right
 

and similarly with the affordability of storage I am all about the high bit rate. Currently using Apple Lossless. But also have AIFF ripped at cd quality.

I use a converter when I get any WMA's from you guys and it is set to AIFF at 196000 (just in case).

If I am posting torrents I like to use Exact Audio Copy. I have my drive settings saved so I can easily switch between FLAC, or LAME mp3 rips. Usually I try to rip the mp3's as a 256 kbps VBR (V0). But if it's already been uploaded in that format, i'll try either the 320 CBR (320), or the 192 VBR (V2) rips if they are not uploaded. I only do this for torrent sites because some are anal about the way you rip files and want "proper rips."

here's a website that is excellent on how to use Exact Audio Copy for FLAC and Lame mp3
If I am uploading it on here though, (or at least from now on, and when I re rip my 1700 cds to my computer) my posts on my blog and in this forum as a 256 kbps VBR mp3 rip from iTunes.

What do you hate about MP3's? I usually rip my cd's at 320, MP3 format, but I don't know of anything better.

While I'm thinking about it, what's the easiest way to convert m4a into mp3? I've tried nothin' and I'm all out of ideas.

I've started using a program called MediaCoder Audio Edition. I think dBpowerAMP does it was well.