iTunes Plus without iTunes?

[Jolly Jimmy]

I'm trying to replicate the iTunes Plus setting using another program like Max, but when I use what seems like the same settings (256kbps VBR), the files always turn out a fair bit larger. Can anyone help me make iTunes Plus files without using iTunes?

[Teej guy]

I believe the same setting is 256 CBR.

[Jolly Jimmy]

iTunes Plus is 256kbps VBR. I have no idea what the rest means though. Is it possible to replicate with an app such as Max or XLD?

[Teej guy]

I've downloaded two iTunes plus tracks and they're both CBR.

[Jolly Jimmy]

Yes thank you for that though I'm looking at the iTunes plus encoder settings which you can see (http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=174601&d=1244482837) uses VBR. The store files may be different.

EDIT : Besides CBR would make even larger files than I'm already getting.