How to replace an MP3 or M4A in iTunes with a higher quality file, without having to re-do playlists containing the track? I have in my iTunes library some songs that, years ago, I ripped from CDs at bit rates of only 128kbps.  Storage is cheap now and I'd like to replace those songs with higher-quality versions (e.g. 320kbps for the MP3s.)

I do intend to re-rip some of my source material (the music I listen to most often) at the higher bit rate.  I don't use iTunes itself for my ripping; I use another ripping tool.

Is there a way in iTunes for me to replace the lower bit rate version of a track with the new higher bit rate version, without having to re-add the track to playlists already containing it?  Could I just slip in the new version of the MP3 (assuming same name) with a filesystem copy, or is that liable to cause problems in iTunes?  How can I avoid having to manually copy metadata or manage playlists affected?

p.s. I already know about iTunes Match.  Please assume (for the purpose of this question) that I'm not interested in the automatic upgrading it can provide. Looking for a solution that will work without Match, or when Match can't upgrade a track.  Thanks.
You can just replace the file in the filesystem.

Unfortunately, iTunes is too clever for it's own boots and registers for Finder events. So renaming a file in Finder will update it's location in iTunes if iTunes is open!

So here's one way I've tried that works.


Quit iTunes (actually quit, not just close window);
Locate the file in Finder:

This could be done in iTunes (before quitting) by right-clicking and choosing Show in Finder;

Replace the file in Finder with one with the exact same filename;
Open iTunes


iTunes will then use this file when you attempt to play it. Note: if any of the ID3 tags differ they will be updated in iTunes too (which is probably what you want). This means if you replace it with a file with the same file name but with less information in the metadata, you'll have less information in the iTunes browser.