.m4a Bitrate Limitations?

[jayhawk11]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to import an SACD version of "Dark Side of the Moon" into iTunes. I've got the entire disk saved in FLAC right now, and used XLD to convert the files to Apple Lossless so that I can sync to my iPhone.

Problem is that iTunes refuses to import the files. If I drag them over the iTunes icon in the dock, it acts like it's going to import but never does. If I Quick Look the files they play just fine, so I'm wondering if iTunes has some sort of bitrate limit on .m4a files.

Anyone care to shed some light on this?

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[ChrisA]

...If I Quick Look the files they play just fine, so I'm wondering if iTunes has some sort of bitrate limit on .m4a files.

I think you mean "sample rate" bit "bit rate". I've never heard of an iPod playing high sample rate files. The iPod may be limited to 44.1 or 48 Ksps and I can't see iTunes wanting to store data that can't be played on iPods.

It would be easy to experiment to see if this is the case. Re -sample the music to 44.1 and see if it works in iTunes

 

[Nermal]

They should still import into iTunes (I have some in my library, see below) even if the iPod won't play them. I haven't heard of XLD but maybe it's generating incompatible files.

Edit: Although if the files are in surround then that may cause issues. I ripped the stereo version since I only have headphones

 

[wpc33]

I have Apple Lossless Vinyl/SACD/DVD-A rips playing in iTunes.
They range from 24-bit/96khz, to 24/192khz.
I have had no problems importing/playing any of them in iTunes.
My iPod 5.5G will only accept a maximum frequency of 48khz, though, so I used XLD to dupe them @ 24/48. They loaded fine onto the iPod, but any with a decent bitrate(louder songs), jumped and skipped; RAM limitation of my iPod.
I re-did my dupes at 24/44 & the iPod plays them fine. I could've gone 16/96 with Compressor, but resolution is more important than frequency, IMHO.

Your iPod Touch has more speed in every way than an iPod Video. Try 24/48 with a few of your most high-bitrate songs, and see if they load/play well.

 

[Galley]

SACDs are impossible to rip. Only the standard audio layer of hybrid SACDs can be ripped.

 

[wpc33]

SACDs are impossible to rip. Only the standard audio layer of hybrid SACDs can be ripped.

They can be recorded like a record can, by those that want a high-res copy on their computers.

There are also players now that output the stream via HDMI to a computer.