I usually use the latest stable LAME invoked from Exact Audio Copy with command line arguments
-V0 -h --vbr-new
, or else I'll use
--alt-preset extreme
I know those are both VBR, but as I understand it, VBR averaging around 250kbps is (at least theoretically) the same or better sound quality for a marginally smaller file than 256kbps constant.
The only thought I've had to explain the difference in my perception of the music between FLAC and mp3 is that the mp3 may be subtly quieter. I understand that the human brain interprets differences in volume as differences in quality, and that even a significant fraction of a db can alter one's perception. I admittedly have not paid careful attention (nor have I measured with software or hardware) to see if this is the case.
It's not "elitist fuckery", it's a combination of good equipment, an original source recording of high quality, and perhaps better-than-average hearing. I've had this argument many times, and there are some recordings that reveal obvious flaws in even 320 kbps CBR mp3 to my ears with my headphones and amplifier. For 95% of what I listen to, the difference is minimal or nonexistant, but for the other perhaps 5% of my music library, I do find FLAC (or the original CD) more enjoyable.
Somewhat tangentially to this point, the Amazon mp3s don't cost much less than the full album (when we factor in production costs of the physical CD, shipping, etc). For example, I'm looking at one recording in particular where I can discern a difference between FLAC and high bitrate mp3 - Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium . It's $14.99 for the CD but $8.99 for the mp3s. I personally don't see the value proposition of paying $6 less to receive no physical item and a digital item of lower quality than I would receive for paying slightly more.
Sure there are countless examples where I do see the value, but not this one.
One little part of your post isn't quite correct. Not all v710s have the disabled DUN (dial-up networking) profile. I bought my v710 last November and I use it all the time for dial-up networking with both my PDA and my laptop. Transflash transferring of pictures and mp3s is also still enabled on mine.
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They're giving change for United States purchases in Canadian dollars now?
The only thought I've had to explain the difference in my perception of the music between FLAC and mp3 is that the mp3 may be subtly quieter. I understand that the human brain interprets differences in volume as differences in quality, and that even a significant fraction of a db can alter one's perception. I admittedly have not paid careful attention (nor have I measured with software or hardware) to see if this is the case.
It's not "elitist fuckery", it's a combination of good equipment, an original source recording of high quality, and perhaps better-than-average hearing. I've had this argument many times, and there are some recordings that reveal obvious flaws in even 320 kbps CBR mp3 to my ears with my headphones and amplifier. For 95% of what I listen to, the difference is minimal or nonexistant, but for the other perhaps 5% of my music library, I do find FLAC (or the original CD) more enjoyable. Somewhat tangentially to this point, the Amazon mp3s don't cost much less than the full album (when we factor in production costs of the physical CD, shipping, etc). For example, I'm looking at one recording in particular where I can discern a difference between FLAC and high bitrate mp3 - Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium . It's $14.99 for the CD but $8.99 for the mp3s. I personally don't see the value proposition of paying $6 less to receive no physical item and a digital item of lower quality than I would receive for paying slightly more. Sure there are countless examples where I do see the value, but not this one.
One little part of your post isn't quite correct. Not all v710s have the disabled DUN (dial-up networking) profile. I bought my v710 last November and I use it all the time for dial-up networking with both my PDA and my laptop. Transflash transferring of pictures and mp3s is also still enabled on mine.
I'm glad someone mentioned it =)