what is the best format for itunes music to play via Airport Exress

Question

what is the best format for itunes music to play via Airport Exress

Hi,

My entire music collection on my itunes was either ripped from CD or purchased from itunes store.

I currently have the latest version of itunes software.

I stream my airtunes via ethernet (Devolo plugs one plugged into my router - the other downstairs plugged into my AX via ethernet cable)connected to electricty circuit, connected to my AX (802.11g) connected to a very good quality amp and speakers (all bi -wired cabling from amp to speakers).

Not all the time but there are certain songs that sound "tinny" to me, the music overshadows the lyrics and I need to play the tune quite loud just to get any feeling for the song. Jazz music also seems overly complex for the airtunes even when purchased from itunes. I was wondering if there is a specific file type or setting that would improve the sound quality ?

I'm not an aficionado but i would have thought there was enough quality to create a decent sound and I'm sure I have not set something up properly.

imac, Mac OS X (10.4.11), imac, QT 7.4.1, itunes 7.7.1., Speedtouch 756, Static IP

Posted on Aug 26, 2008 6:03 AM

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Answer 1

BGLeduc

Level 1

59 points

Aug 26, 2008 7:19 AM in response to paul thompson8

The editor of Stereophile magazine has tested an AE, and found that it was capable of bit-accurate output. For example, if iTunes has a 16/44.1 file, you will get an exact replica of that file streaming digitally via the AE.

Having said that, they have also concluded that Apple Lossless Compression is also bit-accurate. As such, if you were to rip your CD's using ALC, you will get a perfect digital copy when streaming through an AE. They will of course take up much more space than AAC or MP3.

I have just added a AE to my network, and find that the sound (when using its optical output) is exceedingly good when using ALC based files.

One additional bit of information though is that they tested the analog outputs of the AE, and in terms of the lab measurements found them to be poor. Lab measurements and what you actually hear may not always agree, but since the digital output is essentially transparent to the source, that is the route I have taken.

As for your situation, music purchased from iTunes is, at best, 256K AAC. Fine for ear buds, but probably not suitable for playback over a proper stereo system. And if you have left iTunes at its default settings, you are using 128K AAC for rips from your CD's. Again, quite unacceptable for serious listening.

The settings for importing are found at iTunes Preferences/Advanced/Importing. I would suggest making some test rips of the same music at different settings, including Apple Lossless, and see how those sound over your equipment.

Brian

Message was edited by: BGLeduc

Message was edited by: BGLeduc

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Answer 2

Aug 26, 2008 7:18 AM in response to BGLeduc

Thanks Brian,

I have a lot of CD's ripped already - is there a way to convert them to this ALC. I don't fancy ripping all my Cd's again.

If I just want to test one ripping via ALC - where is the option to do that ?

many thanks

Paul

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Answer 3

BGLeduc

Level 1

59 points

Aug 26, 2008 7:21 AM in response to paul thompson8

You can convert to lossless, but there is no point.

Once you rip using a lossy compression scheme, those lost bits can not be recovered. Converting to ALC will result in a file that sounds identical to the low bit rate original, but it will now be much larger. As you can see, there is no point.

Brian

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Answer 4

BGLeduc

Level 1

59 points

Aug 26, 2008 7:23 AM in response to BGLeduc

In case anyone is interested, here is a link to the Stereophile article where the AE was originally tested.

http://www.stereophile.com/accessoryreviews/505apple/index.html

Brian

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