AAC/M4A Encoder / Decoder Plug-in : Quality and reliability?

[Teknojnky]

I don't see where they disagree, most should find transparency between v2 and v5. It all depends on your ears, equipment and environment.

using the old alt-preset naming, alt-preset-insane = 320, alt-preset-extreme = v0, alt-preset-standard = v2

besides, if there is any doubt in transparency, you should simply go ABX or go lossless.

[Peke]

My choice would be FLAC due the Format nature (Multi channel HD format Audio 24/192), Great Tagging support, Native CUE support (not yet in MM), Free Codec and Most new hardware devices (I mean quality devices not low cost devices) support it.

[Metazargo]

I started to use the latest MediaMonkey AAC Plug-in, where I ripp to M4A, because when I use AAC MM can't update the tags (see here http://www.mediamonkey.com/forum/viewto ... 68#p287452).

I use as the format M4A with variable bitrate VBR and quality 50% = ~177kbps.

But in the properties of the files, it says 'VBR: No'. Is this correct, what is wrong?

Thanks for advice.

[Jon EP]

Hi,

After reading this, I still have a question about transcoding from M4A. I have files that were ripped as M4A variable bit rate (I thought they were ripped as lossless, but wouldn't they have been alac then?). I want to transcode them to FLAC with 0 compression. Is there a limitation on the AAC / M4A encoder that will prevent MediaMonkey from transcoding without a loss in quality? Or will the quality of the FLAC be subject to limitations? Basically, whatever the quality of the M4As, lossless or lossy, will the same quality level be maintained on the FLACs?

Thanks.

[nohitter151]

Hi,

After reading this, I still have a question about transcoding from M4A. I have files that were ripped as M4A variable bit rate (I thought they were ripped as lossless, but wouldn't they have been alac then?). I want to transcode them to FLAC with 0 compression. Is there a limitation on the AAC / M4A encoder that will prevent MediaMonkey from transcoding without a loss in quality? Or will the quality of the FLAC be subject to limitations? Basically, whatever the quality of the M4As, lossless or lossy, will the same quality level be maintained on the FLACs?

Thanks.

1. There is no ALAC extension, ALAC files usually have the .m4a extension
2. No
3. The FLACs will be of the same sound quality as the original file
4. Yes

[Jon EP]

Thanks!