Topic: Favourite Music Formate (Read 10428 times)

eddie · « **on:** 08 Feb 2009, 03:00 »

So which is your preffered method?

Thrillho · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 03:16 »

CD, honestly. I know vinyl has a warmer sound, but it deteriorates so easily the more you play it. CD has a high enough quality - despite some sharpness and clipping, but you just have to find the right CDs, really - and reliability. MP3s have too short a bit rate.

look out! Ninjas! · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 03:21 »

mp3, then CD's

I wasn't around for vinyl, not even a little. And so none of that nostalgia is there when I hear a warped, crackly vinyl slowly succumb to old age. CD's sound just as good with the added bonus of not dying if you take reasonable care of them.
mp3's though are a clear favourite. The ease of walking out of the house with 12,000+ songs at my disposal, the way I can download a CD before I buy it to check if it's good or not, the mediafire thread. All of these are reasons why mp3's are the best, even though they don't sound as good. My ears are fucked anyway so I can't tell.

valley_parade · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 06:09 »

I've become all about vinyl in the past year, and I think it has something to do with the optical drive on my MacBook not working anymore.

michaelicious · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 08:07 »

I prefer vinyl, but not because I'm some purist who thinks it sounds better. I don't really give a shit about that. I just think it is the most conducive format to make me pay attention to the music. The ritual of taking it out of the sleeve and putting it on the turntable always puts me in the mood for dropping everything and just appreciating some music.

I can't even tell you how many hours my best friend and I spent as teenagers sitting on my bedroom floor listening to records. If we weren't listening to them we were trying to scrape together the money to buy them from flea markets and stuff.

imapiratearg · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 08:13 »

I use mp3 almost exclusively, but vinyl has this this timeless quality about it.

I think it's magical.

NotAFanOfFenders · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 11:03 »

I grew up with CD's, but then again, vinyl is CLASSIC.

Dimmukane · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 11:06 »

I picked CD's and MP3's because, quite frankly, I don't have the money or space for a vinyl collection. I felt that picking vinyl over anything else, despite not actually owning any, would be cheating.

sean · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 11:59 »

Man, listening to vinyl is the best thing. I agree with what Michael said, it makes you appreciate music more. I also just see CDs as less fun and MP3s as way less fun.

Tapes are pretty cool too, for what they are worth.

pwhodges · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 12:58 »

So what modern vinyl albums are not originated digitally - for real? OK, why not just have the original digital form? As for compressed formats, they are just that - an imperfect but convenient replica of the full-featured original. I have most of my music in its original distribution form (vinyl, 1/4" tape, CD...), and also compressed (using ogg/vorbis, not mp3, as it happens) for portable use - so making a choice is not really interesting.

imapiratearg · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 Feb 2009, 14:31 »

Quote from: Objects inside Clouds on 08 Feb 2009, 11:59

Tapes are pretty cool too, for what they are worth.

This too. I really enjoy cassette tapes.

atimholt · « **Reply #11 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 00:14 »

I like ripping to lossless, though I don't do it much. I should, I have 120 gb on my Zune. I grew up with a record player in the house, but I never truly used it. The needle was really old (they need regular replacement, yes?) and the records were worn. So 'mp3' first (I actually use WMA variable bit rate), then CD's, then tape (because I've actually used them. I could give records a chance, I suppose), 8 track last because I've never actually run into one.
An aside. compression (mp3's, WMA's, etc.) wouldn't suck so bad if it weren't so cruel to cymbals. Seriously, you have to go practically lossless to be spared from mangled cymbals.

NotAFanOfFenders · « **Reply #12 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 06:05 »

Why are mp3's in the lead (As i write this)?

Hat · « **Reply #13 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 06:08 »

Because we can choose more than one options and MP3s are so fucking convenient.

Quote from: michaelicious on 08 Feb 2009, 08:07

. The ritual of taking it out of the sleeve and putting it on the turntable always puts me in the mood for dropping everything and just appreciating some music.

This is the only really good argument I have heard in regards to the inferiority of the digital format, especially in this day and age of MP3.

Hat · « **Reply #14 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 06:36 »

Seeing as I actually prefer the sound of CDs, it is not really much of an argument for me.

Hat · « **Reply #15 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 06:46 »

Person A: I think pepperoni is better
Person B: I think Hungarian Salami is better!
Person A: No way pepperoni is better because it is spicier
Person B: But I don't like spicy food so that is not much of an argument for me to like it.
Person A: Other people disagree though, so you can't dismiss the argument based on your own preferences as "not making sense", I think.
Person B: What the fuck are you talking about you crack addict

(You are person A)

I'm not universally dismissing the possibility that pepperoni might taste good to some people like you seem to think I am, and what the hell is with "not making sense" do you know what quotation marks mean, I will tell you what they mean in this context, they mean you are lying about something someone else has said

Wait we are not talking about pepperoni, shit.

Brian Majestic · « **Reply #16 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 07:18 »

About 90 percent of the music I listen to is only available on record (or 'vinyl' as the kids call it). Admittedly a good chunk of it I could probably find online and download but mp3s are just dull.

Quote from: pwhodges on 08 Feb 2009, 12:58

So what modern vinyl albums are not originated digitally - for real?

What do you mean by "originated digitally"? Recorded digitally? Cause if so plenty of records that I listen to are not originated digitally. At least 2 of every 3 new releases I buy.

pwhodges · « **Reply #17 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 08:36 »

OK - but I still bet it's a small proportion of vinyl releases. My cynicism is showing.

imapiratearg · « **Reply #18 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 08:38 »

Vinyl records have a wider dynamic range than digitally compressed music, right? There is no loss of high and low frequencies like there is with mp3s or the like.

If I'm right, that is a pretty compelling argument for vinyl, I think.

BlahBlah · « **Reply #19 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 08:47 »

Yes, but it's not like you can actually hear those frequencies.

I enjoy listening to vinyl for the added noise and crackling it creates but CDs should really sound better if they are mastered properly. However, at least vinyl doesn't suffer due to the loudness war - it's pretty much impossible due to the way the grooves work.

Hat · « **Reply #20 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 09:05 »

Quote from: BlahBlah on 09 Feb 2009, 08:47

I enjoy listening to vinyl for the added noise and crackling it creates

This is possibly the weirdest thing about the vinyl revival to me, the fetishization of the imperfections of the format. The technical arguments regarding analogue vs digital go right over my head, but this is certainly a fault in the format as dust collects and the record wears down from spin after spin (actually I think that shit is poetic as fuck on a sidenote), and yet people often cite this as one of their favourite things about vinyl to me. I have an ok collection of records and I don't even listen to the ones that are worn enough to produce really audible noises like this any more because it annoys me so much, except for the one Billy Paul record because that shit just isn't anywhere on CD.

The only thing I can come up with is it is how kids grow more and more attached to a teddy bear the more worn out it gets, because the wearing down of the bear is a result of all the good times spent with it. Is this about on the money or is it kind of a more subconscious aural thing, like how I find the sound of a television switched on, but muted to be really excruciating but other people find it soothing and pleasant?

pwhodges · « **Reply #21 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 13:16 »

Quote from: imapiratearg on 09 Feb 2009, 08:38

Vinyl records have a wider dynamic range than digitally compressed music, right? There is no loss of high and low frequencies like there is with mp3s or the like.
If I'm right, that is a pretty compelling argument for vinyl, I think.

No, it's an argument for not over-compressing. Proper double-blind tests show that virtually no-one can reliably distinguish compressed from uncompressed using MP3 at 192kHz, but most can at 128kHz. Of course, everyone claims to be the exception - until they take part in such a test.

The only reason for preferring vinyl over properly engineered CD is if you like the distortion and noise it adds; and the bigger sleeve, of course. Everything else attributed to it is snake oil.

GMM · « **Reply #22 on:** 09 Feb 2009, 18:24 »

I'm primarily an mp3 and CD man but I have a small (but slowly growing) collection of 7"s so, ho hum

rynne · « **Reply #23 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 10:48 »

CDs are what I buy. I can never switch to mp3s because I *need* to have a physical component to the music; something that I can look at and touch that goes along with the music. (On that note, if I had the space and money for a vinyl collection, I'd start, because the only thing better than artwork with your music is 144 square inches of artwork.)

But that all being said, cassettes are the king for self-made compilations. Mix CDs (or mp3 playlists) don't compare to a well-made mix-tape.

Funnily enough, I bought my first CS in well over a decade last week. One of my favorite songwriters just put out a limited edition EP on cassette-only format.

RedLion · « **Reply #24 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 11:16 »

Listening to vinyl is always a good time, but in terms of practicality, I really don't have a use for it. MP3s are what I listen to most nowadays, but they can often muffle the sound and reduce the quality, making it hard to hear the intricacies. I prefer CDs, but I don't have much money anymore, so I'm forced to take MP3s off of my friends' computers and occasionally download some.

Scandanavian War Machine · « **Reply #25 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 11:22 »

i picked cassette and mp3.

i deal almost exclusively in mp3 these days because it's just so fucking convenient and cheap. i like records alot too because, like it's been said before, it's a commitment to listen to it because you can't really take it anywhere and you have to turn a bunch of sweet nobs and put the needle carefully in the right groove etc. tapes are great because they are small enough to be convenient to carry around with you, and i don't know...they're just sweet. My main problem with cds is that they're right in between tapes and records, size-wise, meaning that they are just small enough to make you think they are convenient to be carrying around, but just big enough for you to realize that they aren't when it's already too late. plus, they can scratch and become useless far too easily (not really an issue for me, i'm pretty neurotic about taking care of my shit).

edwinalink · « **Reply #26 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 11:48 »

i gotta say this, i dig a good MP3. If your PC's ripper/burner/drive of musical wonderment. doesnt suck, and you invest in really good headphones for your ipod.

an MP3 sounds pretty dang good.

and my #2 choice is CD. because i mostly rip CD's. itunes is fun and cheap. but you can hold a CD.

and rerip it if your PC crashes!

Be My Head · « **Reply #27 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 15:40 »

SACDs/DVDs have the highest sound quality (space, dynamic range)

Then CDs, lossless digital files, vinyl, and then lossy digital files.

Obviously lossy digital files are the easiest and most convenient though, and honestly, you can't hear THAT much of a difference. Unless you're one of those junkies who sits there with 1000 dollar Sennheisers and listens for the tiny tiny tiny nuances.

Koremora · « **Reply #28 on:** 11 Feb 2009, 17:58 »

I picked MP3. Anything 192 kbps and up sounds just as good minus TINY differences, and with high bitrates being so easy to get (either from places like eMusic, CD rips, or just straight getting it from blogspot or Pirate Bay) MP3 is the way to go for those who are monetarily impaired.

championofkhorne · « **Reply #29 on:** 12 Feb 2009, 22:48 »

What about FLAC and other lossless formats?

Usually I will rip a CD into FLAC files, then mp3 for my iPod.

The lossless formats sound amazing, bit rates of over 1000.

Fishboy · « **Reply #30 on:** 13 Feb 2009, 02:59 »

CD and vinyl, i am a fan of the album.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #31 on:** 13 Feb 2009, 21:15 »

I originally thought the title of this thread was "Favourite Music Forumite"

(emilio)

Beastmouth · « **Reply #32 on:** 16 Feb 2009, 17:05 »

Quote from: DynamiteKid on 08 Feb 2009, 03:16

CD, honestly. I know vinyl has a warmer sound, but it deteriorates so easily the more you play it. CD has a high enough quality - despite some sharpness and clipping, but you just have to find the right CDs, really - and reliability. MP3s have too short a bit rate.

actually, if you take good care of your discs, vinyl records will last longer and sound better than CDs. the aluminum backing on CDs has a very limited shelf-life where it will easily break down, but if you find a very good condition record from the fifties, it'll still play just fine on a good table. The obv problem with vinyl is finding discs in good condition and keeping them that way. I bought a new copy of YLT's And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out and Disc 2 was warped when I got it home from the store.

But I did manage to find mp3's of it so it's all good.

naturally, mp3 isnt the best digital format, or even the best lossy format, but it's the easiest to find and the easiest to playback and it sounds good enough. being able to share music that sounds as good as the radio all across the world with great ease really makes it great

Fishboy · « **Reply #33 on:** 16 Feb 2009, 23:11 »

Whats more is if you can afford it (which you can't) you could get something like the ELP laser turntable, so there would be no detriment to the quality of the disc as the needle snakes it's way through the groove. Dust would still be a problem though, but if you make it a robotic rig in a vacuum room, that could be avoided too.

Thrillho · « **Reply #34 on:** 17 Feb 2009, 04:42 »

To Beastmouth: you may well be right, but 'better' is subjective.

Beastmouth · « **Reply #35 on:** 17 Feb 2009, 17:59 »

Quote from: DynamiteKid on 17 Feb 2009, 04:42

To Beastmouth: you may well be right, but 'better' is subjective.

No, actually, here it isn't. The backing on CDs will chemically break down and they will not work, period. They will skip as a byproduct of their manufacture, not as a byproduct of you dropping the needle while drunk. If you actually can properly maintain vinyl, it will still be in fine playable condition for your grandkids. An heirloom CD would just be a coaster. But taking enough proper care of a collection of vinyl def introduces many headaches of its own, to be sure.

Moist Cowboy · « **Reply #36 on:** 17 Feb 2009, 22:33 »

MP3 wins for portability, vinyl wins for pretentiousness.

ViolentDove · « **Reply #37 on:** 17 Feb 2009, 23:31 »

Quote from: Fishboy on 16 Feb 2009, 23:11

Whats more is if you can afford it (which you can't) you could get something like the ELP laser turntable, so there would be no detriment to the quality of the disc as the needle snakes it's way through the groove. Dust would still be a problem though, but if you make it a robotic rig in a vacuum room, that could be avoided too.

This is how astronauts listen to music, guys.

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Author Topic: Favourite Music Formate (Read 10428 times)

championofkhorne