Looks like the new version of iTunes resolved the problem with Norton's firewall. Before I would have to disable it to connect to the Music Store then re-enable it. It works without any problems now.
It's almost like MP3 is to Dolby Digital as AAC is to DTS.So no discernable difference?
Smaller at the same quality ~= better quality at the same size. Mix and match. YMMV.
//Ken