whats the best mp3 encoder\decoder ?

got lots of mp3 albums (where the albums are splitted into songs), and i want to merge these to 1 large file
but on some albums it doesnt work with my merging tool, so then i have to decode the mp3s to wav ----> use soundforge and merge them there and then again encode to mp3
this is shitty, but the only way, and then i need a good encoder\decoder

just name those u think is best, so i know what to download

thnx in advance ;D

I think theres a program called HJSplit that can combine songs together, but I'm not sure if it'll work... Its free at www.download.com, so I guess you could check it out... But like I said, I have never used it, but I hear its pretty good...

___________________

check it out here: www.blazemp.com

___________________


Think for yourself. Question authority....

i'd go with lame.

http://www.saunalahti.fi/~ljpp/winl...in32LAMEv13.exe

got really good sound. But you always loose quality when decoding/encoding again.

___________________

RetroActive 4

thnx alot guys !

quote:

Originally posted by djdawn i'd go with lame.

Definately Lame. Check out www.r3mix.net for proof.

quote:

Originally posted by djdawn i'd go with lame. http://www.saunalahti.fi/~ljpp/winl...in32LAMEv13.exe got really good sound. But you always loose quality when decoding/encoding again.

ya, i hear all the audiophiles prefer to use LAME...it's supposed to be one of the better encoders for ripping

___________________
Peace 'n Love! • Mikey • Sydney, Australia.

I prefer Audioactive mp3-to-wav decoder - a 150 mb mp3 file is done into wav in two minutes! very comfortable to open in Sound Forge and to burn.

quote:

Originally posted by Fraggle ya, i hear all the audiophiles prefer to use LAME...it's supposed to be one of the better encoders for ripping

I'm one of them...You really notice the difference on expensive audio equipment. Lame encodes with a real presence, and brings out the true quality of your encodings

hmmm...found this article if anyone's interested
http://www.ars-technica.com/wankerd.../mp3/mp3-2.html
from what i can tell, most of the comparisons are based on 128kbs, but he does mention that most (except xing) improve at 160-192kbs and above

___________________
Peace 'n Love! • Mikey • Sydney, Australia.

I read a test that said fraunhofer's original encoder is the best one. The one that is used in mp3enc. I don't know how it compares to lame, as i have no gear to compare 192 kbps mp3s by good encoders, but i do hear a difference from for example xing, which is just too fast for its own good..

Peace

___________________


Soundcloud

At r3mix.net Fatboy, they compare Lame to Fraunhofer, and Lame encoded with more quality compared with Fraunhofer.