WAV versus FLAC

49 posts later we're back to the same point. Some are fine with FLAC and some aren't.

If people are concerned as to which is best for their particular situation, they should experiment and determine their own preference. Unlike many things in audio, this is a relatively simple experiment for anyone - play a song in FLAC and then play it in WAV - you'll hear what you hear. That may or may not match what someone else heard.

The other good thing is that if you choose FLAC and change your mind down the road, a batch conversion back to WAV is an option. (You can do the same going the other direction, but you'll have to tag the files.)

It is amazing at times how much people need the approval of others to like what they like. However, if one reviews this thread, the positive person will find thoughtful people in his camp no matter which he chooses. And, no matter which he chooses, a negative or nervous type will still fail to get a unanimous consensus.

For those doing comparisons, the tests aren't very useful to others unless they include some info on your setup: software, transport, DAC, etc. (I haven't gotten around to my own tests, I'm just setting up Squeezebox server now so it will send WAV as PCM only.)

Yes Magfan, my post was supporting you. That's ok, right? :)

Mlsstl, I agree that these debates need to stay reasonable, but will disagree that just because they are debates that they are "pleas for approval". (I don't really care what others listen to, I just know I like WAV better when it comes to my go-to hi-end rig.) i think reasonable debating is a good thing.

Daverz, I wasn't suggesting that people conduct their experiments for others. In light of the diversity of opinion on this subject, there is only one person who needs to be satisfied with respect to any given system.

And, Ted, for the most part these "debates" have all the endearing qualities of two high schools guys in the 1950s having a Ford vs Chevy argument.

Whether direct or implied, the old "there must be something second class about you or your system if you don't agree with me" gets a bit tedious over time. Hence my suggestion that people figure out what works for them instead of relying on a popular vote.

I'll shut up and retreat to my proper place now...

;-)

" ...the quality with FLAC (and other lossless formats) greatly varies on different computer configurations. So it looks like it is indeed a computer issue"

Hmmmmmm, I did my "fun" experiment using relatively powerful CPU - Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz (Quad Core), ASUS Rampage III motherboard with SATA3, 12 GBytes of RAM and a SATA3 Hard Drive etc - hardly a typical "slow" computer having audible problem in FLAC processing.....

Of course, very obviously that problem lies not with bit-by-bit file but with hardware and/or software involved or may be satan involvment.

While, I "ripped" using EAC, the payback was Media Monkey
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" some, like Simo, above hear it regularly enough to ID file types...or at least tell the difference."

Oh no dear. I don;t have music server yet. Just I read so much that FLAC and WAV sound (or should sound) identical that the statement of contrary from the highly respectable professional audio engineer "forced" me to post original question - just curiocity, nothing more -this why this forum exist.

This small experiment of mine was 10 minutes - one time shot test using my working computer NOT regular listening to music from server (as I don;t have one) and for fun only.

I, personally attribute the difference I very clearly observed to my 12 years education as the professional pianist as well as blind nature of testing with... 100% accuracy.

Speaking about nature of testing - PLEASE, do your testing BLINDLY only BLINDLY and BLINDLY only