I have been exporting WAV files... large WAV files... 5 minutes = approx. 1 GB.
Sample Type: 192 kHz 32-bit
Format: 64-bit Floating Point (IEEE)
Bitrate: 24576 kbps
I include any possible markers and metadata. I am aware that BWF files have full metadata support, such as artwork, however they do not import into iTunes. I prefer iTunes... deal with it. I can import my WAV files directly into iTunes and convert them to ALAC m4a files. These files only have a bitrate of 1846 kbps. Disregarding compression and file size, I seemingly have the ability to output better files when I output WAV files rather than FLAC or anything else. The best FLAC files I can export only reach 24-bit PCM format settings.
Can anyone explain the differences? What's better? Is the decreased bitrate of ALAC unimportant? What formats do you use and why? What program do you think I should use other than iTunes and why? Are some files more lossless than others even though they all claim to be lossless? Should I be adding dithering to my files when I convert them down? I'm lost, I feel like I can't find answers anywhere!
Any thoughts are welcome.