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 5 responses by mapman

Lossless is lossless. Format should not matter.  If it does then gear is doing a better job with one than the other foe some reason.   I have used both and found format has not mattered.  
It has to be converted to standard PCM format which is was format before it can be converted to analog.  So there is an extra step in the process.   If done properly it should not matter but may not be in some cases.  But the information content of the source is the same assuming the software that encodes the flac does its job correctly.  

So Flac may not sound as good in some cases or vice versa but if so its not because of the format.   Just like how different cartridges may sound better or worse playing the same record.  
One should becsurevwav sounds better in their specific setup before committing.  Flac played right should have no difference.  Use hardware and software designed for high quality flac streaming and you should be fine    I used wav for a few years then decided flac was the way to go and converted everything.  Both sound similarly excellent imho in my setup.  Flac supports flexible tagging which enhances user experience. Wav does not.   
I'm listening to FLAC right now.  Everyone's digital should sound so good.
On the grand scale of things that make a difference in sound quality, I have found digital cables and file format (.wav versus flac) to be pretty much the least significant factors. I'm sure YMMV.