WAV versus FLAC

There is no difference in the data between a FLAC and WAV file. The FLAC is a lossless compression format similar to Zip files, but designed for music.

If one is hearing a difference between the two formats, there are two possible issues.

The first is that any difference is due to the extra load placed on the processor in decoding the FLAC file.

The other possibility is the difference arises from subjective perception.

The more vocal adherents of each school of thought will try to pressure you into their camp - "anyone could hear the difference" or "your system isn't good enough" or "no one can measure a difference" and so on.

The key is to not worry what others think. Experiment for yourself - it is pretty simple in this case to stream FLAC and WAV files of the same song back-to-back. Once you've decided what works best for you, run with it and ignore the naysayers.

To Simontju - as you can see, there are a variety of opinions on this subject. Some don't like FLAC and some find it perfectly fine. It is clear that many in each group went to lengths to compare for themselves.

So we're back to the earlier comment. Experiment for yourself and find out which format you prefer. Then go for it!

49 posts later we're back to the same point. Some are fine with FLAC and some aren't.

If people are concerned as to which is best for their particular situation, they should experiment and determine their own preference. Unlike many things in audio, this is a relatively simple experiment for anyone - play a song in FLAC and then play it in WAV - you'll hear what you hear. That may or may not match what someone else heard.

The other good thing is that if you choose FLAC and change your mind down the road, a batch conversion back to WAV is an option. (You can do the same going the other direction, but you'll have to tag the files.)

It is amazing at times how much people need the approval of others to like what they like. However, if one reviews this thread, the positive person will find thoughtful people in his camp no matter which he chooses. And, no matter which he chooses, a negative or nervous type will still fail to get a unanimous consensus.

Daverz, I wasn't suggesting that people conduct their experiments for others. In light of the diversity of opinion on this subject, there is only one person who needs to be satisfied with respect to any given system.

And, Ted, for the most part these "debates" have all the endearing qualities of two high schools guys in the 1950s having a Ford vs Chevy argument.

Whether direct or implied, the old "there must be something second class about you or your system if you don't agree with me" gets a bit tedious over time. Hence my suggestion that people figure out what works for them instead of relying on a popular vote.

I'll shut up and retreat to my proper place now...

;-)

Vett93, you'll find those settings by clicking on the "Settings" link at the bottom right of the Squeezeboxserver web page. That will open up a new page for Server Settings.

Click on the "Advanced" tab and change the dropdown box to "File Types". You can change the stream format for each type of music file that SBS plays.

My only recommendation is to make a note of the original settings before you change them in the event you wish to go back.

One other comment on Squeezeboxserver - the version doesn't matter. For the common file types, those settings have been in that spot in previous versions for a long time.