questions about encoding mp3s

[thirtythree]

will an mp3 ripped at 128 kbps be higher quality than one ripped at 256 kbps then converted to 128 kbps?

also, are there any programs out there that will allow me to convert a large number of 320 kbps mp3s to vbr? and what vbr settings should I use?

 

[fs5]

yes to the first question

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Yes.
LAME will do it. Grab LAME and the Razorlame front end for it...

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: Deslocke
will an mp3 ripped at 128 kbps be higher quality than one ripped at 256 kbps then converted to 128 kbps?

also, are there any programs out there that will allow me to convert a large number of 320 kbps mp3s to vbr? and what vbr settings should I use?

yes the source quality is lower after the song has been encoded once

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Yes.
LAME will do it. Grab LAME and the Razorlame front end for it...

okay. I have that. what vbr settings should I use? vbr-old, vbr-new, vbr-mtrh, vbr-abr?

would I notice a difference between converting them like this and ripping as vbr in the first place?

 

[ThisIsMatt]

If you have the original cds, I would def. rip them again. I use alt--preset extreme

 

[mee987]

alt preset standard is good enough for most people, i think the avg file size is about the same as 192 CBR. you really should rerip if at all possible too.