[Jorvette]

Originally Posted by roebeet

- MP3. Best for compatibility, if you don't mind the extra space needed for LAME V0 or V1. This is what I currently use, so I don't have to worry about "device lock in".

- WMA Pro / WMA Lossless. Best sound quality (especially WMA-L), but device compatibility is weak. You are basically locked into Windows and the Zune. I would personally avoid them, but that's just me.

- WMA. Better sound quality than MP3, at the same bitrates. And better compatibility than WMA-P or WMA-L . I think WMA is a good SQ / compatibility tradeoff, assuming you aren't planning to join the Apple ranks anytime, soon.

I had considered using WMA, but decided on MP3 because it's support on Linux is still better than WMA. Plus, if i ever decided to go back down the Apple path again, I wouldn't have to re-transcode.

I'll also add:

- AAC. Better sound quality than MP3, as well. However, I avoid it because of compatibility reasons - the Zune / iPod / Rockbox supports it, but other players may not (Cowon and Sandisk devices, for example).

As for whether AAC or WMA is "better" at the same bitrate is an endless argument.

That right there should be a sticky so people know what choices they have.