Converting HiRes Files..Question


Ok this is a Mac question. I use both XLD and sometimes Max to rip my music. Lately I've been buying more HiRes stuff from HDtracks in Flac. When I do I also make a 16/44 Alac version ( I do this because I have both a Sonos system and a PS Audio PWD/ Bridge, Sonos won't play HiRes ) currently when I download a Flac file I have to jump through some hoops and use DBPoweramp on a PC in the house to convert the HiRes Flac file to a Alac 16/44 file. I'd like to be able to use my Mac for this but I can't find any settings in either XLD or Max to do this. There are settings to convert to Alac and to convert the sample rate, but not the bit rate. It's super easy to do with DBpoweramp and if I have to I'll buy a copy of Windows and install it in a bootcamp partition but I'd prefer not to spend the $$ on a legitimate copy of Windows if I don't have to. Anyone have any ideas if XLD or Max will do what I want, or a program that will?
erikminer
The solution is the best sample-rate converter on the market, and for the money:

Wave Editor

http://www.audiofile-engineering.com/waveeditor/

Uses the famous iZotope SR converter.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Erik,

If you want to use Max to convert to 16bit files, set up the converter to output 16 bit AIFF files, then convert AIFF to ALAC. I checked on the specifications for ALAC and it does support 16 & 24 bit files. As far as I can tell, this is the only way to be sure your files are 16 bit. (in Max)

I second the Wave Editor program as a means for converting hi-res files to CD resolution (or the other way around). My purpose is different from yours (I'm preserving vinyl to digital for portability and longevity) but the result is the same. The theory behind the iZotope converter is sound (npi) and seems to perform as advertised.

Audiofile Engineering has also released a player called Fidelia which I am planning on evaluating soon. There is the player which costs $20, also an "add-on" which costs extra. (please see website) It looks promising.

I know this is an older thread, but I've been using AIFF files on Sonos with no problems...
Thanks
Robert