Wav vs mp3... Can you hear any difference?

[Boray]

Here is a listening test I've made for you:
http://boray.wontek.net/Boray_Wav_vs_mp3_test.wav

This wav consists of two parts after each other. One part is the unchanged wav while the other part has been converted into 320kps mp3 and then back to wav.

Now, your job is to tell me which of the parts you prefer (or which is which).

I will reveal the correct answer in a couple of days.

[brent]

I just listened on the iMac's speakers.

MP3s can sound passable with the right codec and material. MP3s add up to 50% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), throw away data of course, and have aliasing that hurts my ears. But, some MP3s suit the genre or the song. So, I take it on a case by case basis. If a song is already including distortion elements, then it may work for you. The cymbals are the give away most times though.

George Massenberg did a nice little rant class on MP3s and the state of the industry. Check it out. It has some language in it, but it is still goof info.

[Boray]

Here is another test file, not that loud:
http://boray.wontek.net/Boray_Test2.wav

[Boray]

Correct answer: First half: mp3. Second half: wav.

The same goes for the the second file.

Thanks!

[rexreed]

I may have messed up the results by voting without listening. I thought it was a poll based on past experience and voted for the first part. I have no idea what the first part sounds like.

[Boray]

Ah, Okay...

I tried to start an Atari yesterday by the way. A 1040 STE, but the disk drive doesn't seem to work...

[rexreed]

There is a good chance that a belt has slipped or the rubber just broke down. The old cartridges practically never die!