what is the best format for music files

I usually use mp3 format but would change that to something like AAC would that give me more space.

Actually AAC, bottom line is the file sizes are larger than Mp3 ..

And within the AAC range at 92 kbit/s a 42 second audio file will be 508kb
and at 320 kbits/s is 1.6MB

Compare that to a mp3 same 42 Second audio is 502kb

If you go ACC you would want at least as a minimum 192 kbit/s but 320kbit/s is highly recommended


As a bit of a overview have a look at THIS

Cheers

The definition of "best" differs depending on what you're going for in your music collection. If you're concerned about space you're not going to rip to Apple Lossless. If you're concerned about quality then you're not going to rip to MP3.

Check this link http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-applications-games/187485-how-convert-mp3-mp4-itunes.html for discussion about music file formats.

In your situation, it's about compromise - compact vs quality. If you want to conserve disk space, then it's .mp3. If you really want high quality audio, then you need to consider storing your music files in AAC or FLAC or WAV format on a large external drive with firewire connection.

ok thanks

AUDIO FORMATS PRIMER -- this goes in depth on all the audio formats deataisl which or Lossy and which are lossless and more -- MP3 vs FLAC vs WAV: Audio formats primer