Can iTunes import 24-bit audio files?

iTunes will downconvert to 16 bit if you convert the files. I use Enqueue or VLC to play files I don't want to convert. There is a free app in the App Store called FLACTunes that will convert to Apple Lossles, but it too downconverts. There was an app called Fluke that would allow iTunes to play unconverted FLAC files. I have it but it was buggy and I don't know if it is still supported.

Forgot to mention the Bitperfect app. http://www.pooraudiophile.com/2016/02/how-to-play-high-resolution-audio-with.htm l

Marcleroy wrote:

Hi,

I've been searching for the right settings to import audio files in 20-bit and 24-bit. Is there anyone who can tell me if iTunes is capable of importing such files without losing quality?

I am desperate looking for an answer on the internet and no one seems to know (or to care?).

Thanks for any answer, Marc

Marc,

Yes, if you have hi-def music files in WAV format you can add them to iTunes without loss of quality. To get the full experience, make sure to set your iTunes audio playback preferences to the higher values (see picture below), since the default is for the CD-quality values of 44.1 kHz with 16-bit sample size. This can be found in Preferences on the Playback tab.

Many hi-def music files are sold in the worldwide audio standard FLAC format, which unfortunately iTunes is not capable of playing. Such files will need conversion to be usable in iTunes (see Rich's post).

Also note that if you have hi-def physical CDs such as SACD, iTunes cannot rip them. The best source of hi-def files is the online stores that sell them as downloads, such hdtracks.com and others.

I'm using iTunes 12.4.1.6 and I only get playback preference for video, not audio.

Strike It Rich wrote:

I'm using iTunes 12.4.1.6 and I only get playback preference for video, not audio.

Rich,

The screenshot I posted yesterday was 12.4.0. Did they take it away for 12.4.1?

Not seeing it in 12.4, either. Is there an equipment requirement, maybe? I'm looking at a 2009 2.93mHz 8-core Mac Pro.

Hi,

The reason that you are not seeing playback preferences is because the image posted was for iTunes for Windows. iTunes for Mac does not have this feature.

Jim

Jimzgoldfinch wrote:

Hi,

The reason that you are not seeing playback preferences is because the image posted was for iTunes for Windows. iTunes for Mac does not have this feature.

Jim,

That is correct. My screenshot was iTfW.

So since the option is not there in Mac versions, what does iTunes for Mac do with high-bitrate music?

Hi,

I am a bit new to using HD music so I am still finding my way. The link to pooraudo shown in an early post was my starting point. Itunes and OS X are capable of 24/96 output. It would appear that you need to use audio midi app to change bit rate etc.

Anyway I would welcome any feedback about the whole process

Jim

Hi,

As far as I am aware that if you add 24/96 track to your library, it can be played back as 24/96.

Mp3s, AAC, ALAC etc ripped from CDs will be at best 16/44. I have some 24/96 FLAC track which I converted to 24/96 ALAC using XLD and imported into iTunes. I also converted 24/96 AIFF files to ALAC using iTunes convert option - tracks were not downsampled.

My main issue is that when I use AirPlay and airport express, the music is down sampled because of AEs limitations.

As mentioned is previous post is that I am relatively new to using HD downloads.

Jim