[LonnieGamble]

I noticed that when I import a cd using iTunes, the size of the file is around 600+Mb. When I use Win Media Player and the same cd it's only 30Mb. Another iPod'r I know uses WMP exclusively and thinks I'm on crack for not. Is there a NOTICABLE difference in quality? At 1/20th of the storage; I guess it does seem like a no brainer.
Thanx,
lg.

[mr.steevo]

Hi,
The iTunes file you are refering to is not compressed (mp3, AAC, Apple Lossless) while Win MP is set to compress audio files. You will need to set iTunes to import music using a compression format. Can you hear the difference between the non-compressed and compressed? That depends on your ears, what you use to compress the file, and how much you compress the file. I have a hard time hearing the difference between a CD and an mp3 compressed at 192. Apparently AAC compression is a better format and will sound fine at 128.
Why not compress a song with AAC at 128, 160 with mp3, and compare it to the CD? Then decide which works best for your needs.
s.

[griffman]

Seems like you have iTunes set to use AIFF encoding, which is basically no compression. Check the Importing section of iTunes' prefs.
-rob.

[uwwkhaki]

WMP is crap... crap... crap... (um ok so thats the Mac activist in me, at least I'm in a mac forum) WMP is all fine and dandy for immediate music and audio needs on a PC, but iTunes is still the second thing I install onto a new pc (after java which still doesn't come preloaded). Not only does iTunes do a great job with music organization and purchasing (via iTunes Music Store), it streams music better than most other free technologies. I guess my biggest problem with WMP is it uses the same "big brother technology" as microsoft uses for monitoring everything else microsoft related does, ie: any site that uses your ".net password". All this does is allow Microsoft to profile me in every aspect of my web related life. NOT COOL. So join the leagues of people who have already switched to non microsoft products, you'll never look back.