iTunes CD imports

[admin_exported]

I recently noticed in the v8.1 update to itunes, as one of the 'improvements' it is explained that the program now 'Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as itunes plus'. Through I was previously under the impression that uncompressed AIFF audio file format imports from Compact Discs surpassed or at least equalled the quality of itunes plus store downloads, this sentence would seem to imply otherwise. 

Could it be relevant only to lossy audio import methods, or has the the itunes program previously degraded CD imports through other means (i.e unrelated to lossy audio compression)?

 

[Anonymous]

You've misunderstood.

The iTunes store previous sold 128kbps AAC with DRM, and now iTunes Plus sells 256kbps AAC without DRM.

iTunes - for as long as I can remember - has allowed the user to determine the quality of the imported CD manually.

AIFF, Apple Lossless or WAV was never been an option for downloads.

 

[John Duncan]

The point about this part of the 8.1 upgrade is that the default import quality is now 256, which to me smacks of struggling to find nice things to say about it, seeing as you can change it immediately

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the helpfulÿinformation.

I suppose it's goodÿthey'reÿscrapping DRM. All they have to do now is start providing uncompressed audio and DVD-quality video downloads and I'll be able to make the switch from optical media. Could be a long wait.ÿ

 

[matthewpiano]

Waitrush:
Thanks for the helpfulÿinformation.

I suppose it's goodÿthey'reÿscrapping DRM. All they have to do now is start providing uncompressed audio and DVD-quality video downloads and I'll be able to make the switch from optical media. Could be a long wait.ÿ

Who wants DVD quality when Blu-ray is so much better?

Must admit, I've been converted to PC based listening this week. I've been ripping my CDs to my external HD in Apple Lossless using iTunes and playing them through my Squeezebox 3 and hi-fi and it sounds stunning (helped by the dual Wolfson DACs in the Squeezebox no doubt!). I'm also listening to stuff that I've not put on for ages which has to be a good thing.

 

[John Duncan]

Well you can do that already by ripping your CDs, with error correction, in Apple lossless format. In my experience, with a suitable DAC, quality is better than an £800 CD player.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes I currently rip my music in uncompressed AIFF and play back through a Cambridge Audio DacMagic. It's lessÿconvenientÿbuying albums for one track but worth avoiding lossy audio codecs.ÿ

IÿimagedÿDVD quality downloads to be moreÿconvenientÿfor those with slower internet connections. I once downloaded an 'MPEG-4' music video from itunes and the quality wasÿatrocious; worse than the videos than come with enhanced CDs.ÿI would think SD/ED versions to be anÿappropriateÿmiddle ground betweenÿthe relatively large file sizes of HD movie downloads and those highly-compressed videos designed to be viewed on an iPod screen. Especially true I imagine for those without HD displays.ÿ

Though of anÿinferiorÿresolution, DVD format discs currently contain a wider range of titles at a lower cost than Blu-ray. Iÿimagineÿthis will change in time as the new format gains greater mainstream popularity and sales, but I doubt the conversion will happen overnight. I would therefore conclude that DVDs are still relevant, particularly if your media tastes are of a lessÿcommercialÿnature that may not see a high-definitionÿrelease for a long while yet (if at all).ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

AIFF sounds no better than Apple Lossless, so save your hard-drive space!

 

[anderc02]

Hi ,
I take issue with that Eddie ; AIFF files produce a weightier fuller sound than lossless files . I Find Apple lossless less coherent and the top end is 'dry' and less pleasing . This is more pronounced when listening to an Ipod through my Cyrus amp.

 

[John Duncan]

anderc02:AIFF files produce a weightier fuller sound than lossless files . I Find Apple lossless less coherent and the top end is 'dry' and less pleasing

And I take issue with that (though obviously I'm going to have to try it now, damn it.....)

 

[Anonymous]

Ander,

Do a blind test then get back to me.

 

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