This should be easy. Many sources I have found tell me that to change the mp3 sampling rate settings when ripping with Rhythmbox simply run the program, select Edit;Preferences and then the Music tab. Preferred format may be set to mp3 and the "Edit" button will allow the conversion settings to be tweaked. However...

On Ubuntu 12.04 LTS 32 bit with Gnome fallback I am able to select "MPEG Layer 3 Audio" which produces mp3 format files but the button next to this selection, "Settings" is disabled. This is Rythmbox 2.96.

On Ubuntu Mate 14.04 LTs 32 bit I do not even have such a button (Exit or Settings). This is Rythmbox 3.0.2.

Is this something removed from later versions of Rythnmbox? or set in a configuration file some where?

I have a new set of cans on the way and I was going to re-rip some of my collection to a better quality before deciding if I want to invest in a flac player.

TIA,

Ken

cans?
"invest" in a flac player?
i'm not sure i understand.

but, however,
maybe you're missing some codecs (there's at least 2 different ones for mp3 iirc).
you could take a look at rhythmbox' optional dependencies (or "recommends").

are you sure 12.04 LTS is still supported?

but personally,
i would use a dedicated cd ripping tool.
there's literally dozens of them, with every level of user friendliness.
i had good experiences with asunder.
also, i would consider dropping mp3 completely and use a much better lossy codec like .ogg.
these days, i think pretty much all devices and operating systems support it.

Thanks ondoho,

Sorry for the confusion...

cans = headphones (Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus in this case)

As to investing in a flac player... I am currently using a $20 RCA mp3 player with my OLD Sennheiser HD 265s - they need new ear cup pads etc. which are no longer available. A mid-grade flac capable portable player on a par with the new headphones could run into some $$$.

That said, I was simply trying to get some highest quality mp3 files to test the new phones when I ran across the Rhythmbox issue. I had actually never used the program before. I always use vlc for audio and video. You are probably correct about some codecs being missing. Again, I have always relied on vlc to provide such codecs as are needed and I don't think it always shares the with other programs although I could not provide any evidence to that at the moment.

As it turns out... I examined some of the mp3s I had converted years ago with a Windoze program and they show bit rates > 250 kbps so I do not think that 320 would provide me with any improvement. The new headphones are on their way from Montana (would have been quicker directly from Germany I think) and should be here early next week. I will see how the mp3s sound and then go shopping for flac capable players.

Ken