Apple Lossless vs iTunes Plus

Yes. The new iTunes format is 256kbs AAC which is a lossy compression format. The bigger news here is that there are no longer any DRM restrictions (digital rights management) meaning you can copy the files and put them on as many devices as you like. This was not the case with the original iTunes downloads.

Apple Lossless is just that lossless compression comparable to WAV and AIFF. Most people prefer the Apple Lossless. The difference is not subtle.

Easiest thing for you to do would be to buy a few songs that you also have in Apple Lossless and compare them, then decide for yourself.

When comparing these file types, do use something other than the pc sound system.

I have difficulty descerning anything noteable using only the Altec 2.1 pc audio ... I do percieve diffs piping the sound into my main stereo.

I do find still greater diffs using FLAC vs. Apple lossless too... and this might be due to the media player or codec (s) being used. FLAC having simply more resolution and detail which offers greater presence. AIF is quite close though... and actually a near toss up.... again, I'm thinking it's the decoders and encoders being used.

In fact the Lame mp3 encoder I feel is better than the AAC format at the same bit rates. yet again, another encoder/decoder algorithim.

I'm also interested in high def downloads but doesn't it make you a little nervous that you have no hard copy in the attic? I take some comfort knowing I can always reload if something terrible happens to my hard drive.