What does bitrate mean? It refers to the amount of data that is processed over a certain amount of time. For example, 128 kbps song means 128 kilobits of data is stored in one second of the song. Well now, we have understood, what the bitrate means for audio. Let's see, how it affects your music listening experience.
First of all, you need to understand that the effect of bitrate on your listening experience depends highly on your speakers/headphones. If your listening device is of poor quality, then it is really hard to differentiate between 128kbps or higher. You need at least decent device to differentiate. For most of the people, above 160kbps will not be very different. If you are an audiophile nerd, then and then only you will be able to differentiate between 160 kbps or 256 kbps or 320 kbps. For that, you also need some really good speakers or headphones. Lower bitrate isn't always bad though. The benefit of lower bitrate is the lower file size of audio. A 128 kbps audio file will almost half in size than its 320 kbps file. If you are in tight storage, then you can always opt for lower bitrate. As already explained, after a bitrate difference is almost negligible.
The most important part of this whole equation is your ears. Most of the people may not just care enough, or may not just have the more attuned listening skills to tell the difference between two different bitrates. In my opinion, it comes to personal habits and your listening gear. If you have some serious high-end gear then, only you will be able to tell the difference between 320 kbps or less. For most of the people, 320 kbps is just too much. The sweet spot is 160 kbps. You don't have to be regretful, that you don't get 320 kbps song because at the end it really doesn't matter.
The most important part of this whole equation is your ears. Most of the people may not just care enough, or may not just have the more attuned listening skills to tell the difference between two different bitrates. In my opinion, it comes to personal habits and your listening gear. If you have some serious high-end gear then, only you will be able to tell the difference between 320 kbps or less. For most of the people, 320 kbps is just too much. The sweet spot is 160 kbps. You don't have to be regretful, that you don't get 320 kbps song because at the end it really doesn't matter.
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