How do I know if iTunes files are all 'lossless'?

That "Create Apple Lossless Version" setting won't add any info to a track. I use it to convert WAV files to Apple Lossless.

The other responses to the other stuff are correct, to the best of my knowledge.

Have your default CD importing setting to either Apple Lossless or AIFF. Apple Lossless is basically Apple's version of FLAC, and AIFF is their version of WAV. iTunes will play WAV. Not sure if iPods/iPohones/iPads will or not. Never tried it.

I rip all my CDs as Apple Lossless. Never heard a difference between that, WAV, or AIFF. Others here have. Others haven't. Everyone's ears, room, and gear is different. Rip a few tracks in a few different formats and see if you hear a difference. Apple Lossless takes up less hard drive space if you don't hear a difference.

I put ALL my cd's to Itunes as ALAC.
Than I make a 2 playlists...one of the lossless files for wireless streaming to the stereo / DAC and a copy into an MP3-160 playlist for car / pod.

Does anyone here use any 3rd party plugins to itunes that allow native FLAC in itunes? Cheers,

Spencer

I use Xact to convert FLAC to AIFF. It's free and it works well.

Spiritualized, I hear ya, but I don't want to convert to AIFF, as my portable can only play FLAC. I want to get FLAC files from hdtracks.com and keep them FLAC, but manage only one library. Any ideas? Cheers,
Spencer