I have the means to experiment with media; and, having an interest in sound quality, I've have listened to same recording from different media to have an informed opinion:
1. iTunes AAC, ALAC, AIFF>OPPO UDP-205 usb DAC upscaling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES pre/pro
2. iTunes AAC, ALAC, AIFF>Airport Express outputting 16/44.1 optical S/PDIF> TA-E9000ES pre/pro
3. iTunes AAC, ALAC, AIFF>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD usb to S/PDIF outputting 24/96 optical S/PDIF>Sony TA-E9000ES pre/pro
4. SACD/CD>OPPO UDP-205 DAC>Sony TA-P9000ES pre or TA-E9000ES
5. LP>Shure V15V-MR/Technics SL-1210GR>Sony TA-E9000ES
My conclusion, the most engaging, entertaining sound comes from #4. The sound is so rich, detailed, and staged that poor mastering or mastering with older technology is revealed. In other words, it brings out all the good but magnifies the bad too. Now, the least of these means to enjoy media but most convenient is #2. Interestingly enough though this means still sounds great. The least attractive means is #5. I love to play LPs, but, I have very few that are not in some way defective to distract me from the pleasure. You know, I'm taking about snap, crackle, and pop. These distractions prompt me to digitize the offending LPs to iTunes, applying a pop filter to eliminate the pops. At any rate, it's all a fun way to enjoy my luxurious, leisure time.