WAV versus FLAC

From what I have read and experienced, there are definite differences in file types on high resolution systems. you really ought to try for yourself. Make wav copies off of some select files and put them into a playlist.

I am sure some are going to argue about this, but in my system (mac) I could readily tell the difference from ALAC, AIFF and .wav. Do not fall for the bits is bits diatribe. They shouldn't sound different, but they do for (yet) unknown reasons in system. It is not placebo or expectation bias either. I wish it weren't so, and I have not changed over as it will be a hassle.

There is no difference in the data between a FLAC and WAV file. The FLAC is a lossless compression format similar to Zip files, but designed for music.

If one is hearing a difference between the two formats, there are two possible issues.

The first is that any difference is due to the extra load placed on the processor in decoding the FLAC file.

The other possibility is the difference arises from subjective perception.

The more vocal adherents of each school of thought will try to pressure you into their camp - "anyone could hear the difference" or "your system isn't good enough" or "no one can measure a difference" and so on.

The key is to not worry what others think. Experiment for yourself - it is pretty simple in this case to stream FLAC and WAV files of the same song back-to-back. Once you've decided what works best for you, run with it and ignore the naysayers.

FLAC is a lossless compression format. It is possible to hear differences between FLAC and WAV files when played because your computer is decompressing on the fly. But if you take a WAV file and make an SFV of it. Then convert the WAV to FLAC and back, the SFV will match. The file will sound the same when played. It is the exact same file. Different programs can also sound different while playing the exact same file.

Now two WAV files may sound different depending on the way they were created. Just because the file is a WAV or FLAC does not mean that it is lossless. It is the same thing on an Apple. It all depends on the way the file was created in the first place as to whether it is truly lossless or not.