Suggestions on Music Software for playing/burning/ripping etc. etc. (1 Viewer)

[RentBaxley]

I am currently using Windows Media Player to rip, burn, play, and organize all music on my PC. I am not particularly happy with how this software organizes my music. Do you all have any recommendations on a more user friendly software?

I knw this is a pretty general question, but I was hoping someone could steer me in the right direction.

Thanks!
Rent

 

[Richard Travale]

What OS are you using?
If you are using Win 2000 or XP then I personally would recommend itunes. I like their ripping and playlist features.
I have never used it to burn a disc yet so maybe someone else can pipe in here.

 

[RentBaxley]

Windows XP. Do you happen to know how much it costs, or where to buy it?

 

[Richard Travale]

It's free. Just go to apple.com and you can dl it from there.

 

[ThomasC]

iTunes for me as well. I rip using 224kbps AAC. If it's good enough for Angelo.M, it's good enough for me.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

Be aware that AAC is pretty much an iPod-only format. Personally, I've ripped everything in AAC, too, but Rent may not be aware of the limitation. If your portable music player is an iPod, it's not a big deal. However, if you have anything else, you probably want to stick with MP3. iTunes can use either format.

 

[ThomasC]

However, iTunes apparently doesn't do MP3 encoding as well as well as CDex, but the difference in quality may not be noticeable. I haven't bothered to experiment.

 

[Paul Bartlet]

While it all boils down to what sounds best to "you". Many would reguard windows media player encoding as the worst.
I myself use EAC with Lame, but in all my reading on the subject of encoding mp3s, have I never read a "good" thing about wma.
I think anything you choose will be a step up.

 

[RentBaxley]

Thanks for all the help. I don't have an iPod...yet. I really want one, but I am also considering a new computer. I haven't decided on going with an iMac or a Dell. I figure I should put off the iPod decision until then. I dont' think the AAC should be too much of an issue right now, as I don't have a portable mp3 player.

Thanks again!
R

 

[Scott Merryfield]

iPods work fine with Windows PCs. I run Windows XP and have one.