iPod MP3 to Lossless- what is it actually doing?

[Much Ado]

If i've got MP3s in my library ripped from a CD, what does the option "Convert to Apple Lossless" do for me in practice other than increase the file size?

It can't increase the sound quality or that would be witchcraft.

 

[adrianblaine]

From my understanding, it would be like increasing the resolution of a digital photo. No quality is added, only more (useless) pixels.

 

[Vader]

it does nothing but increase the filesize in your case, as it is limited to the quality of the mp3. Importing the CD in apple loss-less would be your best bet for best quality, but it will also take up lots of space.

 

[Much Ado]

Thanks guys, that's what i thought.

What a useless function to have on a menu

 

[Blue Velvet]

What a useless function to have on a menu

No, no, no... don't be too hasty.

That menu option changes depending on what your import settings are currently set on within iTunes' preferences. So, if you had some AIFF files and wanted to convert them to Apple Lossless, that would be a reasonable use for it.

And if you set your import settings to import as AAC224 for instance, that's the menu option that would be displayed.