I was reading Get ripped off at iTunes store for low quality 128bit by Alex Scoble, and I'd like to offer a much cheaper, better quality alternative for obtaining your music.

Rather than buying the music through an online music store, which provides no control over how the music is ripped, or its format, not to mention the DRM issues, buy the music on CD.

I know what you're thinking - it'll be more expensive. But rather than buying the CD brand new, buy it second hand (Amazon is a great source here) or through special deals (3 for 2, or 4 for $10) specials. I can't remember the last time I paid full price for a CD - in fact many of the CDs in my collection are ones bought for as little as 99p (about $1.75). Even on Amazon I generally look to pay less than £5 ($9) for a CD, including postage, and often get them for as little as £1.99 ($3.50).