First Look: Apple Lossless Audio, Apple Options

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Comments about:

First Look: Apple Lossless Audio

[johnnernie]

I have just conducted a listening test on a selection of CD's on my "low" end audio system (CD player: NAD 542; amp: NAD 320; speakers: KEF Q7) and AAF/Apple Lossless on a Mac G5 (iTunes). I am quite familiar with MP3 format and know its limitations.

I too have about 250 Cds and an iPod that I use in my car. I am in my late 40's with above average hearing, though with a mild mid-range drop off (get tested once per year for a Commercial Pilot's Licence). I have had musical training, though not now a musician. I listen to a range of music, baroque to rock

For this test I listened to Fazil Say: "Paganini Variations" (Black Earth album), Yo-Yo Ma & Bobby McFerrin: Vivaldi's "Andante" (Hush), Leonard Cohen "A Thousand Kisses Deep" (Ten New Songs). I was thinking of trying some heavy duty organ music - "Midnight at Notre Dame", but that album blows my speakers off the floor and wrecks the wine collection, and would not be a fair test.

My opinion - Apple Lossless is a very nice algorithm and if I was building a high end jukebox I would use it. AAF at 192 kps is quite close enough for music while I am working, or having guests. If I want to hear sound in the nth degree I slap a CD in the player and sit in front of the speakers and try to see if I can rattle the neighbours' windows (in the next zip code, mind

AAF is a nice compromise between size, performance and portability - and beats MP3...

/viz