Redownloaded music format

Don't delete the protected song. Right-click and use Remove Download. It should remain in the library with a cloud download icon. Click this to download it once more. This time you should get a 256K Matched AAC copy. Assuming that works rinse are repeat, in batches rather than one at a time. This method will only work for content that it still available in the store. Backup your purchases first. Once they have been replaced I suggest hiding the old purchases from your purchase history and making backups of the DRM free replacements. You don't get to redownload them again once you stop your subscription.

tt2

Apple supplies music in 256K AAC format, unless you purchased prior to 2010 in which case you might get the 128K DRM Protected AAC format they sold back then. Your import settings in iTunes don't affect downloads from the store, only new rips or conversions.

tt2

You can burn your protected purchases to audio CD and then rip back unprotected files for a small (perhaps imperceptible) loss of quality. Or you subscribe to iTunes Match, match the purchases, remove the downloads, then download a matched 256K replacement that you can keep after your subscription ends. You need a reasonable quantity of protected purchases to make this a cost effective approach.

tt2

You're most welcome. 🙂

tt2