Converting my CD Collection from .FLAC to .WAV

Here’s a link to the “Audiochecker” site if you’re interested-

Audiochecker

Heard this argument since FLAC began- any form of file compression (math theory or not) is no longer truly lossless. Rip to WAV- storage cost is not the concern it once was. 

What transport and Dac are you using now? Which is burdened with the conversion and what processors are in the circuit? Depending on how the circuit is designed it may not handle this extra step without robbing you of something else (which you’ve eluded to). Are you only talking about digital downloads or previous CD rips? 

Got it. You have nice equipment- should sound good. JRiver’s conversion to WAV is done in memory (as I’m sure you know) so as long as that requirement is met I don’t see it affecting your Dac. I agree that starting from WAV to begin with would be better as it eliminates the process entirely.

@bolong 

Have you checked any of the downloaded files with software like “Audiochecker” to determine the file provenance? Just a thought as some files are manipulated from lower resolution prior to being available for download or streaming. 
I’ve never experienced sound quality issues as a product of copy speed but then again its been almost 15 years since I used a computer to copy and store (used DB  Poweramp). I’ve been using a Naim Uniti Core for ripping/storage the last 5 years or so and have had no issues. Once in a great while a disk might produce ripping errors but the Naim will make multiple passes until it is overcome. I’ve never heard as much as a click during playback.

@davehg 

What playback/storage device are you using? I’ve heard the metadata comment before but I’ve heard that there are some that have found various workarounds as well. Can’t say for sure as I have (thankfully) not had a drive failure in years.