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iTunes DRM-Free Tracks Now Same Price As DRM Tracks
jawtheshark writes "Apple has made the decision to revise the pricing of Plus songs on the iTunes Music store. Whereas previously the DRM-less tracks were more expensive than the 'normal' option (at $1.29 vs. $0.99), DRM-less tracks bought via ITMS will now be priced on the same level as DRM'd tracks. 'Apple plans to expand iTunes Plus to include certain indie music labels starting Wednesday, October 17 (or sometime this week, at least) ... This expansion won't include all independent music labels just yet, although we're optimistic that more will be included in the future. While we have no information on whether the iTunes Plus songs are selling well, we assume that the decision to drop the price is a response to the Amazon MP3 store. Amazon sells individual tracks for between 89 and 99 apiece, all without any DRM restrictions. With that in mind, it's kind of hard for Apple to compete at $1.29.'"
DRM or not, it's still lossless and therefore nothing that anyone should spend any money on. Admittedly, some of the newer lossy codecs are pretty good and you might say you would only hear a difference on audiophile equipment. I would argue that it's not so much about equipment as ear training, but if we allow that argument, then as technology progresses, what is audiophile now will be general and cheap in a decade (and you can even now buy audiophile level equipment for less than $1000 if you can stand inserting in ear canal musician-style headphones). Do you want to have to rebuy your entire collection then?
People need to start pushing for non-lossless as much as no DRM. Otherwise it's just an invitation to make you repurchase the same songs over and over again a la the latest super ultimate director's cut edition of x blockbuster.