MP3 convert to FLAC using DBpoweramp

[Sheldon]

Can anyone confirm if converting an MP3 file into a FLAC format using the DBpoweramp convert option is equal in quality to ripping directly from a CD into a FLAC format, or in fact if it is any better than the MP3 file itself?

Thanks
Sheldon

[Keltik Klown]

(2010-03-10 13:17)Sheldon Wrote:  Can anyone confirm if converting an MP3 file into a FLAC format using the DBpoweramp convert option is equal in quality to ripping directly from a CD into a FLAC format

No, it will not be equal in quality to a lossless FLAC RIP direct from the CD.

MP3 is a lossy format which means that some information is discarded when files are ripped to MP3. As you no doubt know this keeps MP3 file sizes relatively small. I'm afraid that the information that is discarded when ripping an MP3 file is lost forever. There is nothing you can do to an MP3 file to get the discarded information back again. You need to start again from the beginning and re-rip to a lossless format.

[katylied]

[quote='Sheldon' pid='63423' dateline='1268223421']
Can anyone confirm if converting an MP3 file into a FLAC format using the DBpoweramp convert option is equal in quality to ripping directly from a CD into a FLAC format, or in fact if it is any better than the MP3 file itself?

Can I confirm you that when you convert MP3 files to FLAC there is NO improvement in the quality. What you've lost is lost forever.

Cheers

[little wong]

It can't "conjure" up the data lost in the MP3 compression, so even if it can guess what should be there it will never be good as lossless.
You'll need to re-rip to get a true lossless FLAC.

[Flying Sheep]

@Sheldon

Wouldn't the quality of the MP3 file be a big factor (i.e. its compression level)? i.e. I don't see that dbPowerAmp or any other format conversion tool can recreate lost information.

Grüsse

chris

[Flag]

(2010-03-10 13:17)Sheldon Wrote:  Can anyone confirm if converting an MP3 file into a FLAC format using the DBpoweramp convert option is equal in quality to ripping directly from a CD into a FLAC format, or in fact if it is any better than the MP3 file itself?

Thanks
Sheldon

I have many times downloaded an MP3 file, converted it to FLAC and played it on my ADS. I do this to see if I like the particular performance etc. before buying the CD.
Every time I have done this I am amazed at just how good the converted track actually sounds.
Yes, when I do buy and rip the CD it does sound a little more detailed, a little more bass and a better sense of "presence".
But I'm an audiophile....I'd bet that many people would not be able to tell the difference, especially if tested blind.

[Warren]

Your DS is able to play mp3s directly without having to reformat to FLAC.