I have a library filled with some old MP3 files and I'm in the process of changing them all to AAC for the better sound quality. Obviously I can't just create AAC versions of the files I already have because they would sound worse (lossy compression to converted to more lossy compression), so I'm going to their source and downloading them in a lossless form and using a third party to make them into AAC. Apparently iTunes will not handle AAC files that aren't made with iTunes. Is there a way around this?

I've looked at third party programs and would be willing to use them, but since they all require the iTunes/iPod/iEverything driver, I don't know if they would still prevent my files or not.

Also before you jump on my back about pirating, these files are from old CDs that I lost years ago. I paid for them.

Thanks.