I have in my iTunes library some songs that, years ago, I ripped from CDs at bit rates of only 128kbps. Storage is cheap now and I'd like to replace those songs with higher-quality versions (e.g. 320kbps for the MP3s.)

I do intend to re-rip some of my source material (the music I listen to most often) at the higher bit rate. I don't use iTunes itself for my ripping; I use another ripping tool.

Is there a way in iTunes for me to replace the lower bit rate version of a track with the new higher bit rate version, without having to re-add the track to playlists already containing it? Could I just slip in the new version of the MP3 (assuming same name) with a filesystem copy, or is that liable to cause problems in iTunes? How can I avoid having to manually copy metadata or manage playlists affected?

p.s. I already know about iTunes Match. Please assume (for the purpose of this question) that I'm not interested in the automatic upgrading it can provide. Looking for a solution that will work without Match, or when Match can't upgrade a track. Thanks.