I'm getting a 40g iPod for xmas, and want to get a head start on ripping my cds. I am by no means an audiophile, but I'd rather do this the right way so I never have to do it again. This will likely be my sole music source - I'm planning on using it on my home stereo and in my car.

That said, should I rip CDs into WMA (lossless) files, then convert them to AAC? Or should I just rip them via iTunes? And if so, at what bitrate? I currently just have an mp3 player I use for running, and everything is just 96 kbps.

Thanks in advance

I'm not an expert either, but I've been ripping into 128 kbps MP3's. My player (dell dj) won't play AAC files and WMA files tend to be a little larger, so I went with the 128 mp3's as they sounded just as good to me.

I've been ripping 224 AAC in itunes and I can tell the difference. With 40 gigs you should have the space to use a higher bitrate and still store tons of music.

Do not rip in WMA and then to AAC. Just do it straight from iTunes.

Please note that technology-type questions belong on Tech Talk where questions similar to yours have been asked and answered before.

If any further queries aren't already answered in the following sample of pre-existing threads, maybe you'd like to bounce one of them with a new post?

• Best cd-mp3 ripping software
• Best program for a pc "jukebox"?
  
• Programs to rip my CD's into mp3's?
• How do you play/make your mp3/cd collection?
• Ripping collection onto PC, best way to backup?
• Getting Music From A Store-Bought CD To An mp3 Player

Closing thread.

Apple iPod question!