dgh23train

Q: how do I convert songs to unprotected that were bought and are protected

several years ago iTunes would classify songs as PROTECTED file format.  This block of songs [approx 900] are now causing problems in using them for current playlists as they will NOT work on devices such as my home audio system with SONOS.   How can I convert these songs to another file format without losing quality of format?   My only option I can think of is to convert them to a CD in MP3 format and then reload them.  This seems to be a poor choice as it would down grade the quality and take a very large amount of time and resources [many CD discs] to accomplish.  Is there any software out there to convert such files.  I have looked and not found any  as yet.  I also called Apple and they had no solution for me at that time.

OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), Mac Mini (mid 2011)

Posted on Jan 9, 2016 7:40 AM

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Q: how do I convert songs to unprotected that were bought and are protected

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  • by Timbuktu,Helpful

    Timbuktu Timbuktu Jan 9, 2016 10:37 AM in response to dgh23train
    Level 3 (699 points)
    Jan 9, 2016 10:37 AM in response to dgh23train

    A subscription to iTunes Match ($25 a year) will give you the option to re-download the protected songs in unprotected iTunes Plus format (256kbps AAC). Read this Apple Support article. It is mentioned that this option might not be available for all your protected songs, not sure what the criteria here is. This will/could actually be a quality upgrade to your purchased version (128kbps in the early days). The other option would be burning regular audio CDs from your protected albums - not MP3 CDs as the file format will not change - and re-ripping them one at a time. If you save them as lossless you will have no quality loss, if you save them in any compressed format there will be some quality loss due to the additional compression. 900 songs will be around 90 CDs to burn and rip.