I store my files in Apple Lossless m4A in MC. I convert them with Easy CD-DA Extractor. Then, when I load my iPod, they go straight in w/o compression. But, I find MC will not write the m4A at all, even though the messages say it does. So it's cumbersome...but I usually rip to FLAC, edit the tags using MC, inc. adding the cover art, and then convert to m4A with Easy CD-DA. I wish MC supported Apple Lossless appropriately.