This could actually be either fact or fiction; the determining factor is the format in which the audio file was encoded. CD players and MP3 players both play digital audio files, the main difference is that CD audio isn’t compressed. MP3 files are all compressed, that is how they are able to achieve such a small file size. The higher the encoding bit-rate, the better the sound you will get but never will you find an MP3 that sounds as good as a CD.

Lossless files however, do sound just as good as CDs and take up less storage space than a typical CD audio file. A lossless file is still compressed, but compressed in such a way that no audio detail is removed.

I use iTunes to encode my CDs to digital files and I always make sure that it is set to lossless. Now, if you’re using iTunes and have a collection of compressed and non-compressed audio files, there is a way for you to restore fidelity to the compressed audio files and make the uncompressed ones sound even better. It’s called SRS iWOW™ Premium. SRS iWOW is a plug in for iTunes that works by applying several patented SRS audio technologies to your audio. What makes iWOW so cool is that it gives users full control of how their music sounds by giving the user the freedom to add as much or as little enhancement as they prefer, and the plug-in is fully customizable to the user’s specific speaker set up.

I personally use iWOW with my Yamaha 2.1 system and it really does make my music come to life. Download a free trial of SRS iWOW today at our online store. Once installed turn it on and immediately hear the difference, then go in to the advanced settings and don’t be afraid to slide the different sliders around. Adjust each one until your audio sounds its very best. I personally guarantee that you will love the software, I use it on all of my computers, Macs and PCs and I’m not just saying this because I work for SRS, but because I really do believe in the software and love the way it makes my music sound.

Once you’ve tried the software, please comment below and tell us what you think. If you have questions, comments or even suggestions on how to make SRS iWOW better please post them in the comments section below.