I wish someone had written an indepth article on managing music files in iTunes for the average computer audiophile back in 2008, when I first got started. I could really have used more of this sort of practical, basic advice for non-techy people like me using iTunes and Apple devices. Wanting to Maximize sound and keep music organized in a sane way. Back in 2008 after subscribing to Stereophile I stopped downloading from itunes and went back to purchasing CDs. The Computer Audiophile was nice, but was usually populated by the computer savvy, who didn't need the advice that I did. Although that site became more fleshed out later, I still don't think he has addressed the issues and pitfalls of organization. I can't even remember all the permutations of play lists by file type ( you get all versions on your phone ), alternate music libraries by file type ( I think you get the same problem) and finally, what I do now is have separate hard drives that are named the same, but each contain different file types, AIFF, and Apple lossless. On a number of occasions I completely mangled my library, files not found, missing art work, the hours spent with cluless apple advisors. Ask for a supervisor ! Part of my problem, I think was that I had two computers. One for using, one for listening. But I still have artwork issues, I constantly have to replace incorrect artwork, even after having changed it. Or it comes up missing ? If you have replaced art work differently on different drives? I think the art is stored locally. Uhhg. Someone needs to come up with a bulletproof setup configuration and options list that is somewhat comprehensive.
I think I came across that option a long time ago and must have assumed that it was going to reconvert my library, so I didnt use it. Now Im hoping that Apple will begin increasing storage on their devices again so I won't have to use that option. But with the Cloud looming overhead that dosnt seem as likely.
This headache would seem to be an argument in favor of servers like the Man, but you still have to cope with I tunes for your device/phone, so isn't it easier just to try and master one monster?
