Regarding the thread I started at http://www.dmusic.com/forum/complaints/4206:

the argument around 128/192+ mp3 is void since highly personal -- anyways, let's not fight over that. I've started with the suggestion to _extend_ (or allow for that), not to kill it, pluck in something new and see.

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We have { targets, media, formats }

* Targets are roughly: { preview, careless listener, careful listener/archive }

* Media: { storage*, streaming }

* Formats, roughly: { mp3 { cbr, vbr }, ogg }

// [*] it can be streamed, pigeon-carried, but gets listened to from some
// solid storage, not the thin air

Targets require some minimal quality, which is in turn a function of Format and bitrate.

Everyone seems to agree that streaming is lighter with less bits to go.

Most seem to agree that MP3/128kbps (even lame's one) is not enough for archiving and further listening with even a half-decent audio subsystem. (even better _computer_ speakers could do a difference with WAV, not saying about better equipment).

Some know there are better formats than MP3, but it is still the most common denominator regarding both records available and software/firmware support, and the most recognized "brand" between music compression formats.

[ tbc ]