FLAC, WAV or AIFF question

Thank you all for your responses. This is very helpful since I'd like to try some downloads from sound liaison.

I am concerned with sound quality and so after listening and comparing wav was my choice. Many of us tend to make these choices based on the current state of our systems which at this stage may not be revealing enough to show up the differences. Even so, I'd listen and decide for myself.

I would also add too that how you rip, including what software you rip with along with how optimized your computer is, is critically important too. Believe me, it's painful to find out your errors after you have ripped over 6k cds. IME, some of these overlooked details can bring as much dividends as major component upgrades.

Hew, very true. We need bitperfect rips.

For Mac, free app XLD guarantees bitperfect ripping, and points out errors if they occur. Sometimes cleaning the CD will correct errors found during rips.

Davide, AIFF is Apple created, but not really Apple-only, since most software programs will recognize it. Although I appreciate any "empire-crushing sentiment", when ripping my library I found that AIFF was a better compromise because of having family members who are Apple enthusiasts, apple-friendly car stereo etc. AIFF let me stay with lossless sonics and less conversions to do when sharing with family on or off shared network. Cheers,

Spencer

Just fyi, AIFF and WAV are universally accepted files by
recording studios. AIFF is not limited to Apple.
Use whatever suits your home system.

My understanding is that AIFF and WAV are the same when it comes to bit rate but between the two, the bits are just arranged differently. Therefore the sonic quality between WAV and AIFF is indiscernible.
I use A+ 2.0 and I have WAV, AIFF and DSD files which play through my Ayre QB9 DSD DAC and I have no complaints.
I did however purchase Yate for tagging and organizing files and that probably minimized the frequency of migraine headaches (really).