mp3 to wav to cd. which app to use?

[anazoal]

I want to burn mp3 files to cd so I can listen to them in my car. Does the software used to decode to wav have any effect on the final quality? Is there a comparison of wav decoders?

Should I use Nero, MusicMatch Plus, or Media Jukebox to diectly decode the files and burn to cd? Or use an app like DecodePro to decode the file to wav and then burn to cd?

 

[PliotronX]

Yes, decoder accuracy does vary. The only comprehensive page I've found about comparing decoders is here. I personally use RazorLAME to decode MP3s to WAVs, then EAC to burn audio CDs. Though this may not be the most user-friendly way, it's the most effective (EAC is one of the very few programs with the capability to correct offsets when writing audio CDs).

edit- somehow the Decoder page URL got cut off, but it's fixed now

 

[anazoal]

Thanks. The link is awesome. ...I should have searched for "mp3 decoder" not "wav decoder."

 

[Workin']

<< Yes, decoder accuracy does vary. >>

Theoretically it does vary but if you can hear a difference between current mainstream DECODERS (not encoders), IMO you are imagining it. I have $6,000 worth of stereo equipment (and have had my hearing checked!) and I can't tell a difference from one decoder to another. Let's say the ENcoder makes 99.9999999% of the difference, and the DEcoder makes 0.0000001% of the difference.

edit: Nero works fine. So does Roxio Easy CD Creator.

 

[4824guy]

Most of the latest burning software will convert your MP3 files automatically for you. You don't need to convert them first with some other software if you are using Easy CD creator 4 or 5 version or Nero 5.something. You just drap your MP3 file over that is all. You mileage may vary depending on which software you have or are using.

If you have the standard low bit rate MP3 files like 128-192k, it won't matter how good the decoder/encoder is because your MP3 will be of a lower quality source. But they will sound good enough, but will never be as perfect as the original sound recording source.

 

[syzygy]

another recommendation for eac and razor lame.

[Lwww.r3mix.net/]http://www.r3mix.net/[/L] - plenty of info.

 

[Kinesis]

I just use Winamp to Convert MP3 to Wav and then Use Nero to burn to CD.

The reason is, I get to set the order of the songs in Winamp, and when it converts them, they are already numbered.

But choice is yours.... go with what works..

Troy