Posted 05/31/2007 at 10:57:00pm

I have issues with the methods. I have read several places that Apple's commercial encoding method is quite different than that used by the iTunes software. Additionally, music encoded with DRM clearly requires additional processing vs music without DRM. Therefore, is comparing music ripped from CD a good reference source? Shouldn't the actual source come from the iTunes Store as DRM and iTunes Plus. Additionally, is a group of ten listeners conclusive or even relevant? Are magazine editors and staffers the best choice for respondents. Should the listeners be aware of the formats included in the survey. Wouldn't a sampling of DRM vs lossless, iTunes Plus vs lossless, DRM vs iTunes Plus, etc. help draw a better conclusion.