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iTunes default setting is 16 bit/44.1 khz, so far with this setting I can still play HD 24/192khz files from HDtracks, does this mean the file is downsampled to 16/44.1? Should I set it to 24/192 to properly play 24/192 files? On contrary what happens if I set iTunes to 24/192 and play 16/44.1 files?
Thanks.
Windows 7
Hi, thanks for responding.
I'm using the most recent iTunes (on windows 7), so when I go to Edit, preferences, Playback tab, there are three options about playback (the import settings is on the General tab), are you sure this is for importing? It explicitly says about playback, the three options displayed are:
- Play audio using
- Bitrate for audio playback
- Birs per sample for audio
Thanks.
Han Squad, I didn't see them in 11.0.1, so I just upgraded to 11.0.2, and voila! Right there on the Playback tab.
The support documentation seems not have caught up with the new feature, but I will surmise that it works as you describe.
As you probably know, most computers have sound cards that will not get any value out of a 192 sample rate. Feel free to do a few listening comparisons on your own equipment in your own listening conditions.
Thanks for checking and even updating your iTunes 🙂
I'm getting an external DAC (Micromega MyDac, highly favored by pro reviewers) that can process up to 24/192, so I'm concerned of whether or not I have to do anything with the iTunes settings.
I guess I'll go figure once my DAC is here.
Thanks again.
I'm concerned of whether or not I have to do anything with the iTunes settings.
I guess I'll go figure once my DAC is here.
Set it to 192 and 24, and let 'er crank!
(Apple goofed a bit calling that one setting "bitrate." That number is really the sample rate. The term "bit rate" is already in use in iTunes for the overall rate of the stream, which is quite a different thing. But if they are finally meeting the requirements of audiophile playback, kudos to them.)
Thanks again.
And thank you for pointing out those new 11.0.2 settings! 🙂
Hi everyone!
Thank you for the tips! I've an additional question re setting the playback preferences in iTunes. CNET has an article suggesting choosing the Sound Enhancer option which is located right above the bit rate settings you are discussing here. Do you suggest choosing that IN ADDITION to the 192 & 24 settings for optimum quality in playback? Or just set the 192 & 24 settings?
Thanks!
lydiaboris wrote:
Hi everyone!
Thank you for the tips! I've an additional question re setting the playback preferences in iTunes. CNET has an article suggesting choosing the Sound Enhancer option which is located right above the bit rate settings you are discussing here. Do you suggest choosing that IN ADDITION to the 192 & 24 settings for optimum quality in playback? Or just set the 192 & 24 settings?
Thanks!
Lydia, People's reactions to the Sound Enhancer can be subjective, so the best way to answer your question is to try it and see how it sounds to you.
Sound Enhancer affects playback but does not alter the song files in any way. You can change it or (change it back) on a moment's notice, so feel free to experiment.
Hi, I have set it to 192 and 24 and in some songs I hear a lot of distortion (specially on the bass) even on the ones I bought in itunes. I have my computer connected to a bose speaker. I have set the itunes volume at 50% and the EQ in Rock. Any suggestions?
cricoort wrote:
Hi, I have set it to 192 and 24 and in some songs I hear a lot of distortion (specially on the bass) even on the ones I bought in itunes.
Cricoort,
The songs sold in the iTunes Store (and in Amazon Digital Mujsic and in Google Play Music) have a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a sample size of 16. Setting it up to 192 and 24 does not help. Those settings are intended for audiophile tracks.
If you would like to purchase audiophile-quality tracks, bypass the iTunes Store and go to hdtracks.com, Acoustic Sounds / Super HiRez, etc.
Cricoort,
I had the same problem and first thought my Bose speakers needed to be replaced. Then I tried listening with earphones : the same distortion on the bass.
I read all the above replies, went to Audiophile music sites, heard the exceptional sound quality difference from samples, then saw the prices. Ouch.
There was something bugging me: the sound quality had suddenly improved after making updates on my computer. I thought, happy, that I might have resolved my sound problem while doing all this without knowing it! 🙂 But the distortion came right back! 😟
I knew there was a way to have better sound quality with no distortion, but how??
I tried something different: I opened Window Media Player and it automatically updated my media library with all my purchases from the iTunes store. I chose a song that was particularly annoying because of distortion and played it with Window Media Player. Problem solved.
Next problem to solve: how to copy my zillion playlists from iTunes to Windows Media Player. 😟
Han Squad, The sample rate, sample size and bitrate settings in iTunes import preferences apply to ripping and converting. They have no effect on iTunes playback.
Thank you Ed! I will play with it : )
lydiaboris
Playback bitrate settings
