there are several audio file formats for MP3 players. what format
reproduces the best quality sound and where online can I view a comparative
analysis and discussion of the various formats? thanks, "digital music newbie"

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Request for Question Clarification by livioflores-ga on 10 Dec 2004 19:43 PST

mp3 players only reproduce mp3 files. Are you asking about a
comparative analysis and discussion of the different popular formats
that can be played in the computer by programs such Winamp or Windows
Media Player?

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Clarification of Question by berkowitz-ga on 10 Dec 2004 20:49 PST

Yes, and my IRiver H300 series can play these types of files: MP3,
WMA, OGG, ASF, and IRM. I want to know which format has the highest
quality reproduction and what the comparative benefits are of using
one format as opposed to the others. Thanks--

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/

This is the only site you will need.
For general use MP3s encoded in alt-preset standard and Lame 3.90.3
are 100% transparent, meaning 100% of people listening in ideal
conditions could not discern the difference between the compressed
file and the original CD.

However, it has the highest file size.  Nowadays I believe OGG, among
your list, is the highest quality at the lowest sizes.  In the forums
at this site check out the MP3 and OGG sections. The top posts in
those forums are dedicated to showing you what file to download and
how to configure for encoding.

For ripping your CDs, this is a good place to start:
http://home-12.tiscali-business.nl/~tpm54044/

Searching the hydrogenaudio forums for exact audio copy and your
specific questions should turn up quite a few answers. In fact, after
looking into the site for a while, you should ask any more questions
you have there as it is a site wholly dedicated to audio compression.

the .WAV, .WMA are compatible with microsoft media player; and the .RM
are from Real media.  Each has its pros and cons.

While mp3 is the most universal conversion Ogg has the best sound quality.