Doody,

I don't think you can look at it that simply.
If that were the case it would sound horrible and it simply doesn't. 256k to my tired old ears is indistinguishable from lossless (but I still rip lossless).

You could make the same argument with AC3 to MLP and it simply doesn't line up.

There isn't 16 bits of audible significance in every sample. Which is why MP3, DD, DTS work.

- Fiddler (IMHO)

If you think listening to music is fun, try learning an instrument.
HT: G61RSL, 4x5K, 5.5KHC, 2xSC6000, Transporter, HD621, Philips BDP7501 4K, Tivo, 65" LG OLED 4K C6
Computer: Foobar2000, 5K, Mojo, HiFiMan HE1000 V2