Itunes Question

[Clocker]

I like the itunes database but I cant figure out how I can download songs into MP3 format instead of AAC.

I dont want to transcode AAC. Also I went in the Itunes preferences and switch the importing options to MP3 and lossless but i dont think those options affect what type of file you download at.

does anyone know if this can be done?
or is this an apple im coporate and cool so you are only gonna download in my format things?

Thanks
clocker

 

[AFB]

Yep, you can only download from the iTunes store in ACC.

 

[Clocker]

wow that really sucks. are there any other options. i havent really tried paying for mp3s. any good alternatives

 

[HomerSapien]

Napster has a service. Rhapsody. Allofmp3.com (not sure how legal it actually is, but i havent seen any lawsuits about it yet). MS has a service.

Almost all of them use wma format. Allofmp3 is regular mp3, not sure of quality. basically, if you have an ipod, itunes is one of your best bets. If you do not, i bet there are others that would suit you better. I think napster has that 14.99 fill your player special. Saw it during the super bowl.

There are others, but i dont think the selection is that great on them.

 

[tribbles]

There is a simple solution for this.

To use iTunes *and* get your files in MP3 format, download JHymn (at http://www.hymn-project.org/jhymndoc/). JHymn will not only convert your entire iTunes AAC library into MP3, but it will also remove the FairPlay DRM scheme that limits burning and file transfers.

I personally think the AAC format is far superior to MP3, so I merely use JHymn to strip the AACs of their DRM protection, while keeping the files in AAC format. But to each his own.

 

[Clocker]

Ok i use a creative micro so aac is out but i will give the hym and allofmp3 a shot

 

[pkananen]

Can't you also make an audio cd of your AAC files then rip the cd back to the HD in mp3 format? Or is the DRM still attatched to an audio cd?

 

[tribbles]

Originally posted by: pkananen
Can't you also make an audio cd of your AAC files then rip the cd back to the HD in mp3 format? Or is the DRM still attatched to an audio cd?

While you can certainly do this, you are losing some audio fidelity, which isn't a great thing considering that AAC, MP3, WMA, etc. are already somewhat lossy.

And somewhat OT: C.S. Lewis is, IMHO, one of the ten greatest writers of the 20th century.

 

[rivethead]

Ok, I know I'm going a little OT here, but I haven't found any other threads that covers my questions:

Are there any music download websites that let you download WAV files? I'm talking pay sites, not pirate sites.

I want to download some new music. I'm happy to pay for this service. But I can't seem to find a site that lets you download WAV files.

I looked at MusicMatch and they make the claim that you can download CD quality music, but once a dug a little I found out that their average file plays at 160!! That's not even CLOSE to CD quality! How can they make that claim?!!

Personally, I find 128 and 160 to sound horrible. Cymbal crashes sound thin and hissy, all the highs are muted, stuff sounds glassy. 256 is bearable, and 320 is better, but wav is best and if I'm gonna pay for music I want the best.

I'm trying to find some hard-to-find stuff, so a big database is a plus?

Any recommendations or is the world just satisfied with loading their mp3 players full of crappy sound quality files (and crappy music, but I won't go into the current state of music).

Thanks!

Edit: If there is another thread discussing this, please direct me to it.

 

[mundane]

I think you're looking for lossless compression. I think FLAC offers that, as well as a WMA format. I know some of AllofMp3's song are available with lossless compression, but IIRC many only support up to 320.