quoted 7 lines If the bitrate is at the maximum (320kbps), you won't hear the>
> If the bitrate is at the maximum (320kbps), you won't hear the
> difference
> with the original CD. If you've been buying mp3s at 128kbps you've been
> ripped off. 128kbps is for previews, like the latest Radiohead
> release up
> for download.
actually the radiohead mp3s are 160kbps. and i think they made that
dedcision for a number of reasons. just guessing here...
1. keeping the file size down made the file transfer less costly.
imagine the server charges from their ISP by multiplying 48MB by over a
million downloads, and realize it would have ben even higher for bigger
files.
2. *they* still prefer hard copy releases and know many of their fans
do, and maybe wanted to show the difference/give something extra for
those who end up buying both the mp3s because they can't wait and the
hard copy at better quality.
3. since they decided on the "pay what you want" structure they knew a
good portion would just pay next to nothing or nothing and then
regardless the files would be uploaded elsewhere for more duplicating.
in this case once again those people are getting something listenable
but not true release-quality, so they may still want to get the CD
later.
as for not hearing the difference, i'd say that also depends on what
the music is being played back on. with both coming straight out of a
computer or ipod into earbuds or even decent headphones, an A/B of
radiohead's "optimistic" (chosen for its midrange and low frequencies)
was virtually the same between extracted AIFF and itunes-ripped 320kbps
mp3 @ 44.1kHz. this is the only A/B test i've done - it may give
different results with different frequency ranges. the problem may
come when playing back at louder volumes on larger/better systems, or
attempting to interface computer/portable players with loudspeakers -
getting sound out of a 1/8" headphone jack is different than going
through a proper audio output to a good external amp. i'm not sure how
to get around that part.
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