FLAC vs WAV


I have observed (heard and then tested so as to confirm) the following “condition” as it relates to the widely debated issue of FLAC quality. The purpose of this topic is to gather opinions as to whether or not your observations are similar too – and therefore support – my own.

It is widely understood and accepted that a FLAC file while “compressed” is “lossless” as compared to its corresponding WAV file. Let’s assume (i.e. not debate) this is completely true. What I am noticing is that when the FLAC file is “played” via any FLAC player it sounds different from the sound of the “same” (equivalent decompressed FLAC) WAV file when played back via the same player that was used to play the FLAC file. This is specifically noticeable (to me) in the low frequency spectrum. The WAV has considerably more “sonic energy” that manifests itself as appearing to be a bit louder, wider in frequency range and perhaps even dynamic range as compared to the FLAC equivalent.

I’m curious as to your findings when you compare a FLAC file played natively as compared to the WAV equivalent played via the same player (for example, play both the FLAC and WAV via VLC media player) or practical equivalent, such as if the FLAC was burned to CD and you are comparing the FLAC played via VLC and the CD played via a CD player.

I am further assuming that the WAV file is a more accurate representation of the audio than the FLAC. This is to say that should you agree with the aforementioned, it would be preferable to play the WAV file or decompress the FLAC file before using it.

128x128gdhal

Showing 3 responses by audioengr

IF you have a resolving system (most think they do, but they don’t), you will hear this difference, PROVIDING that you are using a playback software such as Foobar, Jriver or Amarra on a PC or Mac and outputting via USB or S/PDIF.

We can argue this until the cows come home, but its simply true. I don’t know why. I can speculate, but I have no proof.

So, how can this problem be eliminated?

Possibly by using a network server that eliminates the use of the audio stack in the computer or server.

Possibly by purchasing a well-designed server like the Antipodes from New Zealand. I did this comparison at a trade show and it is the ONLY server I have used where the FLAC and WAV files sounded alike.

I am not affiliated with the guys making Antipodes servers.

BTW, I have made this comparison with AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, uncompressed FLAC and they all sound compromised compared to WAV.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

I personally would feel more comfortable converting FLAC to WAV and then use that file to burn a CDROM.  I would recommend DBpoweramp. I dont use CD's anymore myself because I can reduce the jitter more by using computer playback.  If you rip to CDROM, I would recommend Mitsui Master Gold disk.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

coli - this has nothing to do with jitter, besides, there are no DACs that are immune to jitter, even those that reclock.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio