This is a repeat post, in a thread that escalated into an argument, I wanted to make sure the rest of the forum got this information if in case the previous thread needed to be locked or removed, also I would love to hear all your input on this. I've been recording sound since 2005 on different computers
Before ripping a CD using something like "windows media player" go into Rip settings and change the format to ALAC for example or WAV but I recommend ALAC, apple lossless.
if you do record audio CD's on a PC or laptop, make sure you use the original recordings. and not a burned copy, and to use ALAC Lossless or another Lossless format, take note the music CD recordings with lossless format take more data, then MP3
by default all ripping software compresses the CD unless you go into the Rip settings and change your setting to something like ALAC or other type of lossless quality,
CD's should have better quality then most downloaded music does and Vinyl is supposed to have the best audio quality. But it's not always the case.
Note that once a CD or audio file/song has been recorded in MP3 or any compressed format, for example you cannot, increase the quality by converting the format. From any compressed format, into lossless ALAC or other. that will only increase the audio file's size
If you already have MP3 or another kind of compressed audio you need to re-record all or buy a original CD and record your music with lossless setting on. to get the full benefit of sound. From all your audio recordings,
Also helps having a good stereo system, audio cables, plug in speakers that are stereo (not mono) and or stereo headphones, or stereo earbuds.
(about certain headphones or earphones)
All stereo devices have 2 stripes on the silver end of the plug of any and all headphones or speaker sound jacks, also note if you plug a headphone into a mono speaker it won't be even in stereo sound.
Also remember the the in my experience all headphones/ and speakers improve their sound over time
There is more I know, but I wanted others a chance to express their opinion