: To ensure you get the M4A file rather than a proprietary "lossless" package, go to Settings > Playback (or Music Preferences) and ensure "Lossless audio" is turned off for downloads, or set it to High Quality (AAC 256kbps) .
Downloading iTunes M4A files is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide: download itunes m4a
That is a preview file. You likely downloaded a song you didn’t purchase. Go back to the iTunes Store and click "Buy." : To ensure you get the M4A file