How to check quality of MP3 files

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Originally Posted by synthet1c

it's also available on this cd in far better quality than mp3, there are 4 copies available
http://www.discogs.com/Soft-Cell-Say...release/993937

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Thank you S1 - just ordered. I use Discogs a lot for reference, but have never bought from them - any experience? Getting a bit obssessive about getting this track :o.

My mates love it and buy plenty from people there. Can't say I've used it, too poor to buy vinyl atm :(

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Originally Posted by synthet1c

@ JonathanBlake.. I get your point, but an mp3 will never sound as dynamic as an uncompressed wav when played through propper flat response studio monitors, but the difference is very minor on standard speakers and club systems, as they are designed to overdrive and warm up the sound anyway..

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I am thoroughly spoilt by my home rig (S4 routed directly into KRK's in an optimised set-up), so you make a good point. I doubt anyone else will notice the mp3. You've given me quite a bit to chew on - thanks.

I just made my first purchase from Discogs, got an old hip hop tune ive been looking for for ages for about £3 inc p&p! Just arrived this morning.

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Originally Posted by MrPopinjay

My mates love it and buy plenty from people there. Can't say I've used it, too poor to buy vinyl atm :(

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Thanks. I've gone for the CD option, I'll let you know. The problem often doesn't lie with the site, but with being stuck on the southern tip of Africa, the P&P and our crappy postal system.

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Originally Posted by Alex Wild

I just made my first purchase from Discogs, got an old hip hop tune ive been looking for for ages for about £3 inc p&p! Just arrived this morning.

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Thanks Alex - I wait with bated breath - see my comment to Mr. P

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Originally Posted by Jester.NZ

or just pay for your tunes. crazy idea i know.

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I have more than a few purchased mp3's that I question the quality. As it is I don't play them because they are questionable. I really just want to take a look to see if it's blatant.

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Originally Posted by JonathanBlake

Thank you S1 - just ordered. I use Discogs a lot for reference, but have never bought from them - any experience? Getting a bit obssessive about getting this track :o.

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I've bought stuff off discogs before. You're not ordering from discogs, but a private seller.

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Originally Posted by kevz718

Theres a free app i think called Visual Analyzer that can be used for seeing frequency activity. I dont really use it for analyzing mp3 quality but rather use it to see what some efx and filters do to the soundwave. Its pretty cool and has tons of different ways of graphing soundwaves. Im interested in this stuff so i do mess with it from time to time..

Audition and audacity also have frequency analyzers tho right?

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audition and audacity are the most commonly used i think. both have always worked well for me.

i tend to buy lossless when i can and just do my own transcoding. especially from places that dont really give you a clear idea of the quality you're getting.

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Originally Posted by kevz718

I dont think ive checked out audacitys frequency analyzing capabilities.. ill have to take a look.

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I couldn't find it in my short quest. I found the spectral plot analyzer and a bunch of spectral FX but that was it.

audacity's spectral stuff is mostly from plugins:

http://manual.audacityteam.org/index...e=Analyze_Menu

audition is a much easier option for spectrals, ive always found.