iTunes may have some DRM free music, but unfortunately still in crap quality. 224Kbps m4a unless I'm very much mistaken. That doesn't even come close to great quality.

Try comparing one of those releases to the same one on a physical CD in a proper audio setup, and I'm sure you'll find a difference.

I remember when they posted blind tests of DRM music vs. "higher" quality DRM free music and I could hear the difference. Unfortunately I could also very easily hear the difference between their DRM free music and an actual 100% copy of the songs.