Highest possible audio format with metadata.

[nguyenm]

Hi toms,

I am currently using a .wav and .aiff as raw audio format to store/rip my CDs, i ripped at as 16-bit/44.1kHz. As i know that these two format does not has a metadata segment so i was force to use iTunes as a means of organizing music.

Recently i switch from an iPhone 4 to a Nokia Lumia 920 (WP8) and i want to completely ditch iTunes (i hate it). Is there possible lossless/raw audio format that is not FLAC that has same raw quality as .wav and .aiff but includes metadata as well.

Also, is there any good replacement for iTunes? In terms of gracenote database.

thanks

 

[andrew_berge]

Just so you know, lossless is lossless. So if you convert a wav file to aiff, FLAC, Apple Lossless, SHN, APE, etc. It will always be a bit-perfect copy, and will sound exactly the same. You choose which format you want based on it's features, such as metadata (as you've mentioned), filesize and compatibility with software and hardware.

Here's a website with a list of popular lossless formats:
http/wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lossless

I think FLAC and ALAC are the most popular right now (why don't you want FLAC, by the way?), but to decide you'll have to check which formats your player can support.

 

[nguyenm]

Just so you know, lossless is lossless. So if you convert a wav file to aiff, FLAC, Apple Lossless, SHN, APE, etc. It will always be a bit-perfect copy, and will sound exactly the same. You choose which format you want based on it's features, such as metadata (as you've mentioned), filesize and compatibility with software and hardware.

Here's a website with a list of popular lossless formats:
http/wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lossless

I think FLAC and ALAC are the most popular right now (why don't you want FLAC, by the way?), but to decide you'll have to check which formats your player can support.

I don't hate FLAC at all, it's just a countermeasure for simple answer

Thanks for your reply btw, also what would be the best lossless portable player that has at least 120gb worth of storage. I had an iPod classic 160gb that just died on me because of hard drive failure and warranty is not an option since i purchase it looooong time ago...

 

[andrew_berge]

Hmm... In your place i would find a Rockbox compatible player that accepts microSD cards. SDXC cards, specifically, which support up to 2TB. The card could easily be the most expensive part, how much memory you could get would depend on your wallet.

According to this thread, all rockbox players can support SDXC once formated to FAT32.
http/forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=42568.0

Rockbox players:
http/www.rockbox.org/
I recommend you look up the Sandisk Sansa Clip+ first, but definitely check out the others in the list anyway.

 

[nguyenm]

Anything <$500 is fine. I'm taking money from my future workstation build just for this so yeh... I'm one of the few who just can't live without good quality music. Which one would you recommend the most in terms of availability?

 

[andrew_berge]

I really can't say. I haven't been shopping for players much lately. I bought the Clip+ early this year (i got the 8GB version for $30 on eBay, but i had to wait for a deal that good). I think it should be easy enough to find. It's also cheap and highly regarded by many.

 

[nguyenm]

k thanks, i'll look into the rockbox thingy.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Right now the Astell & Kerns AK100 made by iRiver is the only portable player that will play back higher than CD quality files without downconverting them Not cheap but the sound should be excellent. It takes memory cards so you can carry quite a lot in a little space.