[RockStar2005]

Has anyone ever compared the Hi-Res albums/tracks from HDTracks/Pono/Acoustic Sounds with THE SAME album(s)/track(s) listed as "Mastered for iTunes" on the iTunes Store? If so, please post here and let us know your thoughts and experiences. 
 
Please DO NOT post here if you have not listened to the same content in both formats. I AM aware that "Mastered for iTunes" is a lossy format, but I don't hear any difference b/t 256 kbps AAC and Redbook OR Hi-Res (96/24, etc), so to me it matters not. Please also mention what gear you used........ the headphones, amp/DAC (if one was used), player, etc. 
 
Thanks in advance! 

 

[RockStar2005]

See newer/updated version of this thread here. It features more info and a more definitive answer.