AIFF vs Apple Lossless Ripping


I have a large music collection that I have ripped using Apple Lossless and error correction turned on. I have recently seen several postings saying that AIFF (with error correction turned on)is the way to go. Would anyone care to address the superiority of AIFF vs Lossless, and if possible, explain why one would potentially be better than the other? And, if AIFF results in a larger file, approximately how much larger (percentage). I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to re-rip a 1400 cd collection.
rabco

Showing 2 responses by jax2

The advantage of AIFF over WAV on a mac is that it keeps the meta data safe. Otherwise they both sound the same as long as the sample rate is correct.

This is a good point and cannot be stressed enough. I would strongly encourage choosing AIFF over WAV on a Mac, based on my own experiences. You will save yourself a whole lot of hassles in the long run, especially if you ever need to restore your files, copy files, or want to add artwork to your existing files.

As far as which is superior...let your own ears be the judge. I have heard differences in file types, especially when comparing files ripped in EAC to those ripped in iTunes (the former sounded better and I could pick it out blind repeatedly). Can't explain it. Don't give a rats ass whether it's bit-for-bit identical - the two files sounded different to me, and that's what matters to me. Alas, I don't use a PC thought so I still rip to AIFF in iTunes. To determine whether you can hear any differences yourself, and if those differences mean enough to you to convert your files, I'd suggest you make your own judgments rather than relying on the ears of others. Try it on a few of your favorite files and do some listening. You might save yourself a whole lot of time converting.
One reason you may not hear a difference is that the Mac sends everything to the Airport as Apple Lossless. It converts the AIFF file to lossless and then the AE converts it back to SPDIF for your Dac.

Thanks for that - I did not know this. I don't use iTunes for playing files myself. I stream them via Squeeze software to a Modwright Transporter. I assume they are not converted going this route. Thanks also to Kijanki - is "MAX" by the same folks who created EAC? I'll look into it. I was really surprised by the differences i could hear in the EAC files I compared with a friend. There were certainly subtle improvements in bass, clarity and resolution overall. Have you compared using this "MAX" software? I must have missed some threads or is this brand new?