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Topic: What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder? (Read 4122 times) previous topic - next topic
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What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

I have always used the MAD decoder in Winamp, and recently found a new version at the Rare Wares site, however I have come across posts by PP and others saying that the current Nullsoft decoder is just as good (if not better).

Which one should I be using for the highest quality playback?

Have any listening tests been carried out?

I usually run the MAD plugin in 24 bit mode, as my soundcard can handle 24 bit audio (Echo Mia).

Thanks in advance for any help.

Gregg.

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #1 –
MAD has some clipping prevention in it which will help if you don't use replaygain.  I donno how good it actually is though.

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #3 –
the ff123 test is old and it's based on an obsolete version of the winamp decoder plugin.....
Mpc Q7 /  --alt -preset extreme/standard

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #4 –
I've specially downloaded Winamp to just check how these work now.
All Winamp MP3 decoders have some deficiencies:

1. Default Fraunhoffer plugin 2.91 - no replaygain, supports ID3v2, no dithering,
16bit output only, very good streaming, title streaming
2. MAD 14.2b - no replaygain (clipping protection instead), doesn't support ID3v2,
poor dithering, 24bit output, problems with streaming (no options available)
- steals http urls from other plugins!, no title streaming
3. Shibatch MPG123 1.18y ot43h - no replaygain, supports ID3v2, no dithering (AFAIK?),
24bit output, good streaming (had to disable UDP option), title streaming

All these doesn't even get near to foobar2000 (as of 0.7b22):
replaygain support, ID3v2 and APEv2 support, good ditering, 24bit support,
very good streaming, no title streaming (yet)
ruxvilti'a

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #5 –
Quote
the ff123 test is old and it's based on an obsolete version of the winamp decoder plugin.....

Sorry, but 2.666 isn't obsolete, MP3 decoder has its last change at 2.666,
new MP3 decoder has no quality changes.
ruxvilti'a

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #6 –
thanks for all the info people.

i think i will try a listening test between MAD and the standard winamp plugin, and maybe report back here. i hadnt heard about the shibatch one so i might try that as well.

seems like for the highest quality foobar would be the way to go, but i am loathe to switch media players! maybe i should, as it would certainly be nicer to support PP than AOL!

What is the best Winamp .mp3 decoder?

Reply #8 –
Quote
i think i will try a listening test between MAD and the standard winamp plugin, and maybe report back here.

I think that if you do it properly and blind, it's very unlikely you will be able to hear any differences. ff123 MAD challenge speaks for itself, differences are very, very hard to perceive, and that using critical musical material.

Anyway, do the test and report us the results, such tests are always interesting, and there's sometimes some hidden golden ears around.