ans. 1; yes I believed that's normal. That's why it's called VBR. (variable bitrate).
ans. 2; why not be your own judge. but as you indicated, if it doesn't then it won't do you much good regardless how great it sounded.
ans. 3; I wonder if really such thing as "future proof". Personally I don't worry about such things. Just keep the original in a safe place.
Hi,
For years I have always ripped my CD's into mp3 format at 320kbps
However, I read that aac may be superior in sound quality (though debated, and then even so, can anyone tell difference).
Here are my questions-
Question 1-
So, my last 5 CD's I decided to rip them in aac format at 320.
When iTunes was done ripping them I noticed their bitrates are recorded as- Well, some are 318, 326, 320 etc. Not all 320 even though I do NOT have VBR checked. So, is this normal?
Question 2-
How much (if any) is there a difference in sound quality between aac 320 & mp3 320?
Final Question-
Is one or the other more of a future proof solution? (Which will be around longer).
Side note-
I just now realized when putting them on a USB stick and plugging them into my 2014 car, they will not play! Ai ya, I really thought by now aac would have more acceptability, since iTunes has got to be one of the largest distributors of music. I will double rip if need be if aac is much better or more future proof.
Thank you for any help.

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