FLAC vs. MP3 for Sonos Network


First and foremost, I am a music guy, not a computer guy.

I am planning to set up a Sonos Network in my home.

My computer guy from work is helping me get set up on the computer side of this project (w/NAS & software, etc.)

I let him know that FLAC & EAC are things that are recommended by the a'gon community.

He felt that MP3 may be a better choice, as it is more universally used, etc. His big concern was the ability to copy music to an ipod, if I wanted to do that, which is a possibility down the road.

Any thoughts on how to move forward?

Are there or will there be ipod type players that recognise FLAC?

What are the pro's & con's in deciding of FLAC vs. MP3?

Thanks!
barrelchief

Showing 1 response by horseface

I would go with the FLAC format and create a folder on a PC where you can dump MP3's. You can convert "down" from FLAC to MP3 easy enough. I delete and add to my Ipod about every 2-3 months. I would go through my FLAC collection and select what you want to listen to on the Ipod - convert and dump it in the directory. You would leave your FLAC collection in tact but use an additional 60 gig of drive space for the converted MP3's to dump into the Ipod. In short the best of both worlds.

I went with the MP3 format and now have collected about 3000 converted CD's all ripped at 320bps. The sound is pretty good but I REALLY wish I would have gone down the FLAC road. Harddrive space is cheap but it's too late. You cant get back resolution you gave up and most of the CDs have been sold or traded.