Salesmen are suggesting that mp3 or AAC music files are CD quality.

That's modern hype for you!

Let's make it very clear.

Mp3 or AAC are not CD quality.

It is a format which waters down what you're listening to.

If you're going to pay 99c a track, why not purchase the full strength version because storage and download speeds have improved dramatically.

Most of us now have access to super large hard drives, that are dirt cheap, and even Ipods have huge drives now.

This means there is no need to be putting up with mp3 or AAC sound quality any more.

The only reason for using mp3 or AAC is to save room, and to speed up download times.

They do this with a significant loss of sound quality.

Mp3 and AAC leave out large bits of the original sound file to make the file size smaller.

If you want to save some space, you can use a free open source compression system called FLAC which will compress the music file with out any loss in sound quality.

FLAC is well supported by a lot of music download sites and music players.

OK, it doesn't compress the music file as much as mp3 or AAC, but the sound quality on playback is at its best.

You can also use this great free tool called Exact Audio Copy which in it's latest release supports FLAC compression.

http://www.exactaudiocopy.de

There is an extra advantage in using EAC, the sound file you rip from your CD collection can sound better that the original CD itself.

It takes longer to rip CDs at a high quality, but once this is done you have a music library of the best sound quality.

Follow the set-up instructions at the EAC site for ripping CDs for the best sound quality.

EAC even has a cool CD layout editor, so you can create your own personal music arrangement on a CD.

You can also read my previous blog on using EAC here.

Get enlightened, and stop being short changed by falling for modern sales hype, and demand quality over quantity.

Music is not just noise.

It is to be enjoyed to it's fullest.

Most of you would protest severely if your knew you where being sold watered down beer.

So why accept watered down music? At least with music you can get enjoyment without a hangover. :)