Hi there, the iTunes encoder was set to a single bitrate (i.e. not VBR). This was so I could compare what a 128kbps vs a 192kbps sounds like, since with VBR they may just sound the same. I agree entirely that there are better methods of encoding these samples which would have likely made them indistinguishable. I was more interested in the worst case regarding how someone might rip a song since the majority of people would just stick it into their computer and rip with iTunes. It was the easiest place to start :) I would definitely like to re-do the test with the same samples using modern codecs and see if there is any difference. I also think that you could tell the difference, for the ones where I nailed it all the way through, it was clear as day. I described the exact thing I was latching on to in each sample in the blog and I'm sure anyone could hear it. Whether these samples extend to all music in general is another question though... Suffice it to say I rip all my music in Apple Lossless or FLAC.

I heard the difference between an iTunes-encoded 320kbps MP3 and FLAC in 2/7 samples I used. This is through ABXing and using statistics. Granted, these samples were chosen as good examples that show differences between lossy and lossless. I wrote up a series of blog posts on it here: http://www.vel.co.nz/vel.co.nz/Blog/Entries/2009/8/21_ABX_of_Lossless_versus_MP3_-_Part_3_-_Results_and_Discussion.html

I've read all the comments and have seen a lot of people mention Forza and a few other racing games but no one has mentioned Colin McRae DiRT 2. I personally love rally games more than standard track racing games due to the skill in timing the corners and speed with slides. The inclusion of rally in GT 5 is definitely a main point of interest for myself and it should keep me busy for awhile until the WRC PS3 game comes out! So what's the general opinion on DiRT 2?

As a recent convert to console gaming (PS3), I couldn't agree more! I always used to build my own computers and upgrade them yearly to be able to play the latest games. I would get driver problems, updates needing to be downloaded, keys/no cd's not working, graphics problems etc... Once the PS3 slim came out I just couldn't resist for the price and got one. Best gaming purchase ever, I can pick up a used game for $20 (NZD) and play it and resell for the same price. There's no keys to annoy me and everything 'just works'. I have it connected to a projector and while the potential of the PS3 is lower than a hardcore gaming PC, I am satisfied with the graphics level. Nowadays, everything seems to be released for consoles anyway so it's the place to be.

Mmm, actually, if the banging of supermodels results in offspring then that guy is evolutionarily better off... But I see everything through evolution being a biologist and all. :)

You're confusing different types of audiophiles, some are truly "guided by their ears" but others, such as myself, prefer to look at only the evidence. I would never buy an expensive cable and would thoroughly test any new equipment in my setup double-blind to determine it's merits. That said, I did an ABX test of lossless vs mp3 and found I could tell the difference between 320 kbps and lossless for 2 clips but there was a wide variation. On some I could only tell between 96 kbps and lossless. So check it out, here: http://vel.co.nz/vel.co.nz/Blog/Entries/2009/8/21_ABX_of_Lossless_versus_MP3_-_Part_3_-_Results_and_Discussion.html Your point about re-encoding is perfectly correct, another reason to use lossless.

This may be a shameless plug for my website but I did an ABX sound test to see if I can tell the difference, and it turns out I can for some sounds and can't for others. There was a wide variation, for some I couldn't tell between 128 kbps and lossless, but for some I could tell between 320 kbps and lossless. It is possible, you can do it. You have to know what to look for. Note: I have expensive headphones so that would have helped with the sound resolution. Links for my posts: http://vel.co.nz/vel.co.nz/Blog/Entries/2009/7/17_ABX_of_Lossless_versus_MP3_-_Part_1_-_Introduction.html http://vel.co.nz/vel.co.nz/Blog/Entries/2009/7/28_ABX_of_Lossless_versus_MP3_-_Part_2_-_Materials_and_Methods_.html http://vel.co.nz/vel.co.nz/Blog/Entries/2009/8/21_ABX_of_Lossless_versus_MP3_-_Part_3_-_Results_and_Discussion.html Last one the most relevant if you just want to see the results.