Quote Originally Posted by 02audionoob
Just as a clarification, so we don't confuse terminology, 320k is not lossless. Lossless is WAV, FLAC, ALAC, etc.
What is the bit rate of WAV, FLAC,ALAC?

Question on Music & Play:

I have used the MP3 format for my music ever since I could bring my music with me, and I always use at least 192kbps. Recently I read about FLAC and Apple Lossless, which should be a lot better than MP3s. If I'm listening to MP3s encoded at 320kbps, will there be any difference at all compared to a lossless format? I'm using an iPod touch and Nokia N82, plus my Audio-Technica SJ3 headphones.


Submitted by Reader



Answer:


John Chan
Asst. Editor
I know people who swear by lossless tracks and others who can't be bothered with them. Most can't tell the difference, and essentially, enjoying the content of your music should be more important than the minute quality improvement you get with lossless formats.

But if you must know, the solution to your query is simple. Just grab one of your favorite CDs and use iTunes to rip one track twice, one in 320kbps MP3 and the other in Apple Lossless format. Give them different names and move them both to your iPod touch. Listen to them a few times and see if you can tell the difference. If you can, and if you enjoy the lossless one more than the 320kbps track, then go ahead and listen to your music encoded in lossless formats. Take note though, if you decide to go that route, your iPod touch will be able to hold much less music because each lossless track will take up a lot more space than the same track encoded in MP3.