With the recent proliferation of so many online legal (for sale) commercial MP3 download-able sites these days, it's hard for me to decide WHICH service to go with for purchasing MP3s to play in my Apple iPod. I realize that Apple iTunes Music Store: http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/
sells down loadable commerical music but its unfortunately only offered at 128kbps and in .aac format. I prefer .MP3 format as it's more universally compatible. Most importantly, for improved sound quality, I'm seeking an online downloadable commercial music service provider which offers their music at 192kbps (or greater) quality.

Some websites sell music by the song and others charge a one time flat rate or monthly rate and let you download all you want for the agreed period.

Here's a link to a website which reviews and compares downloadable music sites . Have any of you used and/or recommend any of these:
http://mp3review.info/indexf.html

Do any of you know if any of these (or other) commercial downloadable music providers offer MP3 or .ACC format songs at 192kbps or greater and have a large catalog of commercial music to choose from as well?

Thanks.

Scott

I suppose nobody here is into downloading 'legal' commercial MP3's? Scott

..talkin' to yourself, Scott?

Yep, this reminds me of one of those rare completely dead night piano bar gigs where I had to perform all evening for just one bar patron (and obnoxiously drunk at that). Thank God those days are over. - Scott

Scott, about a year ago I tried Napster, shortly after they restructured and became legit. They offered a free trial and I thought it was OK. Check them out for sure. In the last year, however, much has changed!

I googled 'compare mp3 download sites' and found much info available. You can take advantage of the free trials which I think most offer. Happy hunting and good luck.

Glenn

Hello Scott Yee

You can convert AAC files to MP3 using this software I just looked for ImTOO Audio Encoder 1.0.15 build 1129

It works, because I just did one myself a 6 meg AAC file turned into a 4 meg MP3 one ("only" 128KPS mind)

Free to try - $23 dollars to buy! - see - a nice poem for you while I was at it


Anthony



[This message has been edited by Jupitar5 (edited 12-08-2004).]

Believe it or not, but Walmart sells tunes for .88 cents a song.
http://www.walmart.com/music_downloads/introToServices.do

http://www.mainstreetmusic.com/

they're a dollar per download but legal.

... and then a fight breaks out!
DonM

I even got scars to show for it. - Scott

Thought I would renew this thread since the technology and availability has changed so much since first posted. Any input re what you've been using, ease of use, quality song selection, etc., welcomed.

Glenn

Napster for me....$9.95 a month to download unlimited songs.

Aren't the Napster mp3s encoded in such a way that when you cancel your Napster subscription you are no longer able to listen to the music you've downloaded?


[This message has been edited by GlennT (edited 04-24-2006).]

If you download it from your computer to an MP3 player, how would it know your subscription was canceled?

I only use my MP3 player for breaks and have several different files in different genres. But, got them all from walmart.com (88 cents per), load them into a Nomad Jukebox. Walmart doesn't use the MP3 format, but rather .wma format and all have been at 128 kbps.

Eddie

Scott:

Take a look at CD Baby's site where they list all of the Digital Content Sellers they provide "indie" songs. Apple Itunes is listed as well as Napster. As of this morning, my new country album had been placed with 23 different providers.

Hope this helps.

By the way, I'm not going to be able to make the Shreveport Jam after all. It's a big disappointment for me but it can't be helped.

Dave Rice

Dave,

That is disappointing.

Tom

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GlennT:
[B] Aren't the Napster mp3s encoded in such a way that when you cancel your Napster subscription you are no longer able to listen to the music you've downloaded?

Not to my knowledge, and I've cancelled my subscription and re-started it. Besides, I don't download mp3's, I record the songs to WAV files, save them, then convert them to MP3. Works like a charm.

Al

Sorry I missed the re-appearance of this old tread. Dave (Rice), like I mentioned in the other thread, I know you're as disappointed as I am in not being able to attend the upcoming Louisiana Jam. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this 1st LA will be such a huge sucess that they'll schedule one for next year right away, and perhaps we can meet up at the 2007 Shreveport jam. - Scott