I'm just starting to import my CD's into iTunes, and am wondering what compression format everyone was using to import their music. I've only added a few songs so far and have used Apple Lossless, but am not sure I want to keep doing that at 20+ MB per song. How is everyone else importing their songs?

Default here. I think its 128 bit AAC format.

I'm sure purists would disagree, but I use MP3 encoding at 192kbps. Reasons -- 1. I can't tell the difference between this and uncompressed, 2. It's a univeral format that can be played on any computer or music player.

I am with Acill...

I use the default AAC (128 kbps), which is the same format as the songs purchased on the iTMS.

I guess I am anal and want them all in the same format. They sound wonderful. If I really want the best quality, I simply listen to the original CD when playing on my home system.

C

OK, I'll be the oddball... When I buy from Apple I have no chice but their 128bit AAC...

When I import from my cd's I use LAME at alt-preset-standard

Does it make a difference... subtle at best. I used to do the lossless, but realized I listen in less then optimun environments, and with all the extraneous noise... it's not going to be noticed.

I second Cory, the cd itself if you are sitting down for serious listening.

The default: 128kbps AAC...same as the iTunes store.

I like everything the same and it sounds good to me.

Sean

Agreed!

The claim that 128 AAC is about the same quality as 192 MP3 but smaller seems to be true. I wind up using 128 AAC for most music. If I want higher quality for particular music I will switch to 192 AAC.

Lossless. Better safe than sorry, IMO.

Thanks for the info. I have decided to go with 128 AAC.

Word.

Even though I abandoned that tactic when I bought the 60 GB model. Now I use 320 AAC @ 48.000 KHz. Sounds pretty dang close to full CD, close enough that it doesn't distract from the music. Anything less than 320, to me, sounds kinda lifeless, especially the drums.

Now if we could convince Steve-o to sell Apple Lossless encoded songs on iTunes...

That's an interesting idea but I wonder how many people download iTunes over dial-up. If that number is still fairly high then AAC/Apple lossless would have to be optional and of course complicate the interface.

I can hear a difference using different encoding methods. I finally decided to use AAC at 160. The file is only slightly larger (usually between .25 to .75 MB larger) and the quality is far superior. Of course, anything from ITMS, I leave at 128.