xtaljo

I use ALAC files when I store my music in iTunes (converted from 16 and 24 bit FLAC files on an external HD). I also backup the iTunes library using a separate HD with Time Machine. My question is do I loose any sound quality (due to lossy compression?) if I ever have to restore my iTunes music library using Time Machine? If so is there a better way to externally store the Apple Library files? My apologies if this has been covered before, I am a new member and still learning the ropes.