01-21-2009, 04:34 PM

I have imported over 300 CDs into iTunes over the last 3 years, and have imported them all on a custom setting of 256kbps and mp3 format. I have a pretty good ear for hi-fi and play my music through my hi-fi at home off my Mac. I have recently re-imported some CDs in 192kbps mp3 format, and can hear no discernible difference.

I have compared the file sizes and it seems importing at 192kbps will be 25% smaller file sizes, with no great loss in audio fidelity.

Do I have to re-import ALL my music again from scratch to take advantage, or can I use the Mac to change my 256k music to 19k as a batch process (eg using automator?)

MTIA

01-21-2009, 05:27 PM

you could just use the mac to re-encode at those settings

01-21-2009, 06:33 PM

Since MP3 is a lossy format that is subject to generational degradation, even when re-encoding from a higher res to a lower res, re-importing the music from scratch would probably give you slightly better audio results than re-encoding from the existing MP3s. Some people may not be able to tell the difference, but if your ear is as good as you say, you may be able to tell.

I agree with you, by the way: although it obviously depends somewhat on the encoder, for me 192kpbs generally seems to be the "sweet spot" for MP3 audio quality vs. file size.