After encoding mp3 files using AudioCatalyst (VBR high quality) and being happy with that, I recently tested encoding with the WMA format using Audiograbber. To my ear this encoder deliver superior sound, most notably the high frequencies seem much crisper - and on the samt time smaller file sizes.

I mostly listen to classical music, and to a lot of piano music where the difference to my ear is considerable in favor of the WMA.

I sent a mail to the empeg team and got the answer that this codec hopefully will be supported when the new model ships.

So at present I encode both to mp3 and to WMA. Perhaps something to test?

Regards,
jhr

Empeg #315 - 20GB blue