When the newer codecs are used is the name for the format still MP3?
I heard that Itunes uses a better codec now, but it is called something else.... "A" something??
Once my expectations are elevated by hearing a given recording on a good format (or sound system, for that matter), it's all over, those expectations will never come down. That's why I'm amazed that artists, composers, producers, etc. do not fight to keep their music off of MP3 (at least the MP3 I'm familiar with).
MP3s of a decade ago were riddled with artifacts and generally 128 kbps. They certainly sound better today, but I see no reason to advocate them. Space is cheap.
Apple has ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) available in iTunes. It's a needlessly proprietary version of FLAC.