Just how bad IS 192kbps?

[Avinexis]

Hey guys!

 

When I get new music I always convert it to MP3 format, 192kbps (all handled through iTunes itself), however it seems everyone who knows a little bit about what they're talking about chooses 320kbps.

 

I don't have the storage space or resources to manage a library full of 320kbps music files sadly, but in my (albeit limited) experience, I am unable to tell much of a difference wetween 320 and 192 anyway. I don't own any high tech speakers or headphones so maybe that's why

 

Would any of our audiophiles be able to put the loss of quality into perspective for me? Also as opposed to formats such as FLAC? I'd really appreciate it.

 

Cheers guys!

[Flibo]

I stay away from 192kbps but it should be just fine if you're not an audiophile. It sounds okay

[NikolaT]

My headphones aren't high end (they're good but defo not anywhere near audiophile level)

 

My 192kbps tracks as compared to 320kps on them:

 

The more complex ones (192 kbps rock as compared to 320kbps, in example) don't seem as clear and individual instruments don't have as much "space". THIS IS BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! I don't know the exact science behind it. It could vary based on genre and the file itself.

 

I don't have the means to acquire good FLAC files - or the gear that might be able to play them at their full capacity.

[potatochobit]

if you are using little earbuds like most people with the iphones it is totally fine, man

when you get a big powered source like a receiver or sound card with headphone amp you want to go better

of course, you gonna need some nice speakers as well

Edited March 25, 2011 by potatochobit

[Avinexis]

So the difference is only noticable with some high end gear then? That's good ^^

 

I think I already know the answer to this but if I were to need to get higher quality rips I'd need to get them from scratch right? I can't just convert them back up again LOL