The AAC - MP3 - WAV Challenge!
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 6:55 pm
The MP3 vs. AAC vs. Uncompressed (WAV) Challenge!
This thread got me thinking.. how distinguishable are MP3 and AAC? (and just for kicks, uncompressed audio?)
To attempt to find out, I have assembled a short blind test (yay, science!)
I have taken a 30 second portion from a MGMT song. Three copies were spawned: one left untouched, one converted to 256k AAC, and one converted to 256k MP3. The latter two were then converted back to WAV to mask their source.
So, can you tell the difference?
For each of these sets, rank them in terms of quality from best to worst.
Like this: A,B,C, if you think A is the best and C is the worst.
For those wishing to do the bonus challenge, I've included a Sinatra and Beethoven test as well. But if you're short on time, just do MGMT.
Use your favorite/most comfortable/best known listening environment!
Then, PM me your results. Do not post them. This will keep this test as neutral as possible. I'll post the results, but in a way that keeps the answers ambiguous. I'll also PM you the answers when you PM me your results.
Here are the links (all WAVs, 5.1MB each)
MGMT A
MGMT B
MGMT C
And for the bonus challenge:
Sinatra A
Sinatra B
Sinatra C
Beethoven A
Beethoven B
Beethoven C
Full Methodology for Nerds and Skeptics
1. Downloaded songs in FLAC format. (All 44.1 kHz)
2. Opened in Audacity. Cut 30 second portion out of song.
3. Added 1 second fade-in and -out on either end of song.
4. Saved as 16 bit, 44.1kHz WAV.
5. Opened in MAX.
6a. Converted to MP3, 256kbps CBR, encoding engine quality high using LAME v3.97
6b. Converted to AAC, 256kbps CBR, maximum quality, using Core Audio
7. Opened each converted file in Audacity; saved as WAV.
8. Randomized order and names.
This thread got me thinking.. how distinguishable are MP3 and AAC? (and just for kicks, uncompressed audio?)
To attempt to find out, I have assembled a short blind test (yay, science!)
I have taken a 30 second portion from a MGMT song. Three copies were spawned: one left untouched, one converted to 256k AAC, and one converted to 256k MP3. The latter two were then converted back to WAV to mask their source.
So, can you tell the difference?
For each of these sets, rank them in terms of quality from best to worst.
Like this: A,B,C, if you think A is the best and C is the worst.
For those wishing to do the bonus challenge, I've included a Sinatra and Beethoven test as well. But if you're short on time, just do MGMT.
Use your favorite/most comfortable/best known listening environment!
Then, PM me your results. Do not post them. This will keep this test as neutral as possible. I'll post the results, but in a way that keeps the answers ambiguous. I'll also PM you the answers when you PM me your results.
Here are the links (all WAVs, 5.1MB each)
MGMT A
MGMT B
MGMT C
And for the bonus challenge:
Sinatra A
Sinatra B
Sinatra C
Beethoven A
Beethoven B
Beethoven C
Full Methodology for Nerds and Skeptics
1. Downloaded songs in FLAC format. (All 44.1 kHz)
2. Opened in Audacity. Cut 30 second portion out of song.
3. Added 1 second fade-in and -out on either end of song.
4. Saved as 16 bit, 44.1kHz WAV.
5. Opened in MAX.
6a. Converted to MP3, 256kbps CBR, encoding engine quality high using LAME v3.97
6b. Converted to AAC, 256kbps CBR, maximum quality, using Core Audio
7. Opened each converted file in Audacity; saved as WAV.
8. Randomized order and names.
)
