Lossless Files Vs CD's

Configured optimally SqueezeCenter (Server) decodes FLAC at the computer/server and streams PCM to the Squeezedevice. At least that's the way I understand it to work.

"Configured optimally SqueezeCenter (Server) decodes FLAC at the computer/server and streams PCM to the Squeezedevice. At least that's the way I understand it to work."

THat is no the default behavior though, right?

I seem to recall there are ways to configure that would change teh default behavior which as I recall is to convert to (lossless) compressed FLAC to improve network throughput?

I will need to revisit the documentation. The default settings work very well in regards to sound quality it seems so I have not bothered to experiment. I like that I hardly ever get rebuffering events while listening. FLAC format lossless compression probably helps with that but maybe it is not required.

I have worked professionally with compression algorithms though not for audio applications. If done correctly, I would tend not to fear them, especially "lossless" compression which is used prudently and regularly in many computer applications , but of course, in this world, we all know that things are not always done correctly....

Interesting responses and a lot more controversial as to what if any the audible differences are. It seems clear enough that there are likely other more limiting factors for perfect reproduction than the two mediums would present. I have been playing with a hardware wav file player (eliminates the computer in the middle) straight to DAC set up and comparing it to a CD transport connected to the same DAC. There are a few differences but I would not call them significant. I give a small edge in resolution to the Wav player but an equal edge in overall musicality and high end reproduction (seems clearer or perhaps just more there) to the CD player.

Digitalaudio - the jitter of the clock in your "hardware .wav file player" is critical. If it uses a common crystal oscillator, it will not show you what this medium is capable of. The Master Clock is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in ANY digital audio system.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I have been privy to some listening tests where a battery powered Hi Face via I2S was compared to any transport we could get a hold of - Wadia, Stello I2S, heavily modified battery powered Marantz and other stuff I can't recall off the top of my head. They are fell. For example on Dianna Krall Case Of You you could hear the foot pedals on the piano and its timbre was correct - on the transports it had TIM. Before this many people had tried to take on the Marantz mentioned previously with various transports and computer audio. They left humbled - I know I was one of them. But the Hi Face bested it - and easily so.

The system was extremely revealing - speakers - ML3 Reference - they are lined with steel and fully tricked out with Duelund VSF Copper capacitors, the DAC a PDX Level 2 and amps MAC 501's.

Thanks
Bill