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I have read several postings that suggest converting a 256 kbps AAC audo file purchased from iTunes to Apple Lossless does nothing but increase the file size - i.e. there is no improvement in sound quality.
If that is the case, I wonder:
- Why iTunes has functionality to allow that (it can't just be a ploy for Apple to sell more hard disk capacity).
- What is the extra file size filled with if it is not better sound?
rjgrichmond wrote:
Thanks for the clarification. So I guess it's kind of like filling the additional space in the bigger box lossless file size with styrofoam.
Yes, that is a good analogy.
If you rip a track from CD with Apple Lossless, you get the full sonic detail that was on the CD.
If you then compress it to AAC and then expand it back to Apple Lossless, it will expand but will not recapture the detail that was lost. Kind of like the bird at the bottom.
Yes, I understand this is an old thread, but there are obviously plenty of people who don't understand how compressing files, specifically music files, works. I've spent a lot of time making sure I understand it, so just sharing my "experience, strength and hope," as they say. Video files, people don't care so much about, so you don't hear much argument over MKV vs. Apple vs. Netflix. But people edit and move their music files, and they invest in expensive gear that they don't really understand, so I think it matter. And it ticks me off when some idiot salesperson gives out false information, whether intentionally or through his own ignorance. So, venting done for today. :-)
My knowledge base in this area is shallow, way shallow! What I understand is the advantage of Apple LossLess format is when you are ripping cds because it gets ALL the musical data, while AAC deletes some musical info to create a smaller file, but sacrificing sound quality. I have no insight on the benefits or non benefits of converting between the two formats.
So I believe I'm better off "importing" or ripping in Apple Lossless to start.
If I'm wrong I would appreciate clarification of that point.
Thanks!
mac4mark wrote:
My knowledge base in this area is shallow, way shallow! What I understand is the advantage of Apple LossLess format is when you are ripping cds because it gets ALL the musical data, while AAC deletes some musical info to create a smaller file, but sacrificing sound quality. I have no insight on the benefits or non benefits of converting between the two formats.
So I believe I'm better off "importing" or ripping in Apple Lossless to start.
If I'm wrong I would appreciate clarification of that point.
Thanks!
Mac4Mark,
Your statements are correct.
As far as "sacrificing sound quality," whether the difference between lossless vs. AAC/256 is enough to worry about is a personal decision. It depends on your own ears, audio equipment, and listening conditions. Feel free to experiment.
The recordings you listen to also make a difference - many modern "popular" recordings and so-called "remastered" reissues of older material are mastered to sound as loud as possible, sacrificing dynamic range, and the difference between CD-quality audio and a copy using lossy compression may be insignificant for many listeners. The difference will be far more apparent with well recorded classical or jazz music.
But I can't imagine that going from AAC to ALE drops anything. AAC is lossy and ALE is lossless. Apple lossless file sizes are over three times larger than the same AAC song.
Thanks for the clarification. So I guess it's kind of like filling the additional space in the bigger box lossless file size with styrofoam.
... Nothing to say ... then don't ..... waste of time
Please ignore the advice of that salesman. He's lying. See my other post for full explanation.
xmeromotu wrote:
Please ignore the advice of that salesman. He's lying.
What salesman?
FYI: You responded to a 3 year old post by rjgrichmond...
Apple Lossless vs AAC
