Ripping CDs to lossless in Itunes.. HiFi approved?

.

Has anyone else tested out the differences between AIFF and Apple Lossless on Mini-based systems?

If you have, I would be very interested in reading any subjective reports about the differences perceived.

:)listening,

Ed

.

I've just started ripping Apple Lossless to my new iPod. When I play them back (via Apple dock through my hifi) I must say the resulting quality is very impressive, and I'd be happy to listen to music most of the time this way.

That said, when I did a direct a/b comparison against the original CD (Cambridge 640C player), both through a NAD amp, the CD still had the edge in terms of dynamics and detail.

My conclusion is that lossless is fine for all but serious/critical listening.

You may have reached the right conclusion (or not) but for the wrong reasons. There are a lot of variables in play in your test, not just the file format of your rip.

09-28-08: Splaskin
Ed,

The slower the CPU, the worse Apple Lossless will sound. Faster CPU, no difference between AIFF and Apple Lossless.

How fast is fast? I.e., at what speed do you notice no difference?

.

Hi Syncrasy... don't know. I 'm using MacMinis with 2 /GHz Core2 Duo, 1GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM on board for each. No problems. I think (therefore I think I hear) a difference with AIFF files vs Apple Lossless... but the powers of suggestion overwhelm...

(if you know what I mean)

:) listening,

Ed

.