Test of MP2 Encoders
Test of MP2 Encoders
Test method and setup
The basic idea of the test is to measure the performance of
several MP2 encoders and to compare the sound quality as well.
First I ripped 2 CD tracks with EAC 0.8 Ripper. The tracks are;
<1>Queen - These are the days of my life (from Classic Queen)
Filesize: 44899736 Track time 4:14
<2>Alan Parsons - Limelight (from Sound Check CD)
Filesize: 21403256 Track time 2:01
The tracks are normalized (when possible) to 98% and are
checked carefully and compared with CD tracks.
All encoding was done in 192 kbps and HQ/High priority
(when possible). Testcomputer is P166MMX-32MB-WIN95...
The encoders tested are;
RECORD-IT (from Iomega)
Mpeg DJ Encoder (from XAudio)
MP2ENC (Wav2mp) + frontend
Sound Limit 2.0 (hq)
Qdesign-Imedia 2 (studio)
Encoding time
CD track time <1> : 4:14
Record-It Rip + Encode 3:29
Xaudio Rip + Encode 2:28
Xaudio Encode only 1:19
MP2ENC Encode only 12:30
SoundLimit 2.0 Encode only 9:01
Imedia 2 Encode only 3:09
CD track time <2> : 2:01
Record-It Rip + Encode 1:25
Xaudio Rip + Encode 1:10
Xaudio Encode only 0:42
MP2ENC Encode only 6:02
SoundLimit 2.0 Encode only 4:12
Imedia 2 Encode only 1:29
Sound Quality
The encoded tracks were played using this setup:
Ensonic PCI Audio soundcard
CAD 120 watt+ pr. ch. MOSFET power amplifier
CAD MM080 2-way HIFI speakers (Audax units)
Let me say first that the difference between the tested
encoders is quite small. The test method included using
WINAMP 2.xx and PHILIPS MPEG and listening carefully to
each track, comparing them with each other and the wav-file.
Qdesign Imedia 2 has the most natural and open sound
of them all and compared best with the wav file, but all the
others were quite good also. I cant rate the individual encoders
and even choosing a "winner" wasnt too easy.
CONCLUSION - BEST SOUNDING MP2 ENCODER
Qdesign Imedia 2 + Philips MP2 player 192 kbps
FASTEST MP2 RIPPER/ENCODER
Xaudio Mpegdjencoder 1.24 0.28 x track time
To know more about me/us and what we are working with follow this:
CAD AUDIO NETWORK HOMEPAGE
For comments etc. you are welcome to send me an email;
[Email to KM]
Last updated: 240299 - version 1.4