Best place to buy mp3's?

Tony G · #1 11-30-2008, 08:57 PM

I hate to admit it, but I'm way behind the times when it comes to mp3's. Can you guys recommend a site where I can buy mp3's? I'm looking for a service that will let me buy an mp3, and use it where ever I want, on any and on as many devices as I want, etc.

Who has the best service, price, etc.?

Big Galoot · #2 11-30-2008, 08:59 PM

mp3sugar.com

WJGreer · #3 11-30-2008, 09:06 PM

Hey Tony. This isn't a direct answer, because I am not sure it's the BEST place, but check out eMusic.com. Their value prop is a little different - you pay a monthly fee anywhere from 5.99 to 20, and you get a certain number of downloads per month. I think for 5.99 you get 10 and for 20 you get 75, with several options in between.

But here's the interesting part - an advantage or limitation depending on how you look at it. They only stock private label and independent stuff. I have found a ton of really cool stuff out there that I would not otherwise have found. I have also downloaded a lot of really bad stuff that I have scuttled shortly after.

The MP3s are of high quality - 192kpbs VBR or better, and there are no limitations on use, copying, etc. It's a cool service for music geeks like me who like to search and find. Their download utility syncs with iTunes automatically, if that is important to you.

Meanwhile, for mainstream stuff, I like Amazon's MP3 download service. It's .89 or .99 per track, and also syncs with iTunes.

iTunes itself still has about the best overall selection, but if you don't have an iPod it's not useful. And even if you do, the sound quality is not on par with what you find elsewhere and the rights management limitations are grievous.

Best luck.

Tony G · #4 12-01-2008, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the tips guys. Anybody else?

Philbiker · #5 12-01-2008, 08:50 AM

Amazon dot com is my favorite. High quality DRM free MP3s for great prices.

Tony G · #6 12-01-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

Amazon dot com is my favorite. High quality DRM free MP3s for great prices.

Do they offer a monthly unlimited download plan, or a simple $1 per song deal?

Tony G · #7 12-01-2008, 05:22 PM

Anybody else want to comment before this thread sinks to the bottomless pit of forgotten threads?

Bassplayer_479 · #8 12-01-2008, 11:27 PM

Amazon for sure

bassbrock · #9 12-01-2008, 11:52 PM

Agreed on Amazon.com; no subscription, just pay per song or album.

WalterBush · #10 12-02-2008, 12:09 AM

gomusic.ru

It's a russian site. About .10 cents a track, and completely legal. I bought Light as a Feather by RTF for .81, IIRC.

short_steve277 · #11 12-02-2008, 12:51 AM

buy albums!!!!

GaryLC · #12 12-02-2008, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJGreer

iTunes itself still has about the best overall selection, but if you don't have an iPod it's not useful. And even if you do, the sound quality is not on par with what you find elsewhere and the rights management limitations are grievous.

Best luck.

I thought the same, but I've bought songs from iTunes, and then burned them onto a CD from my computer, so that'll work. But I agree that Amazon is generally your best bet.

bassbrock · #13 12-02-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryLC

I thought the same, but I've bought songs from iTunes, and then burned them onto a CD from my computer, so that'll work. But I agree that Amazon is generally your best bet.

Not only that but a good portion of songs on iTunes are called 'iTunes Plus" which are the same price but have no DRM (Digital Rights Management) and are at a higher bitrate and sound quality. By the way, AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is a standard audio codec that some consider to be a higher quality file than an MP3. Most of today's MP3 players can play this file type as long as it is DRM free from what I understand.

Still, if I can find it on Amazon.com, I buy it there first. Otherwise, I'll snag it from iTunes and try to get the Plus version.

Philbiker · #14 12-02-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalterBush

gomusic.ru

It's a russian site. About .10 cents a track, and completely legal. I bought Light as a Feather by RTF for .81, IIRC.

If you think that site is "completely legal" I've got a bridge to sell you.

Tony G · #15 12-02-2008, 09:23 AM

Great tips guys! Keep 'em coming!

WJGreer · #16 12-02-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalterBush

gomusic.ru

It's a russian site. About .10 cents a track, and completely legal. I bought Light as a Feather by RTF for .81, IIRC.

It's legal in Russia, so you can feel confident that you won't be prosecuted there. Not so sure about here...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbrock

Not only that but a good portion of songs on iTunes are called 'iTunes Plus" which are the same price but have no DRM (Digital Rights Management) and are at a higher bitrate and sound quality.

Ah, that is news. I was wondering what iTunes Plus was. Our album is listed that way on iTunes, in fact. Great info.

debassr · #17 12-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Amazon