MP3 vs. AAC (iPod)

[res6jya6]

I've heard quite a few bad things regarding Apple's compression methods used in the iTunes store --- I was wondering what other people thought?

I would much rather listen to a 320KBps MP3 or a FLAC file long before resorting to iTunes copy, but there are some songs I have from the store that range in bit rate (192-256)...

Anyone else think that the AAC files are missing something when used on your iPod? I don't really have the greatest equipment to make a good judgement.

 

[Adam]

I can definitely tell a difference between 128kbps (the original default for iTunes Store songs) and 320kbps when I listen on a good enough system like the one in my living room. On my iPod with the original headphones, it's tough to tell a difference.

The iTunes Store started selling higher bitrate copies (called iTunes Plus, I think) a while ago, and that's probably why you have songs with higher bitrates from there. I used to have to really, really want a song before I'd pay even 99 cents for a 128kbps song from the iTunes store, so I was quite happy that they finally started offering higher quality versions.