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][1].

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.

  [1]: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/45869/cd-digital-audio-ripping-tool-for-os-x-that-has-accurate-extraction-error-detec