WAV vs. AIFF

WAV and AIFF are just raw data files and should perform the same. WAV can hold tags but there is no agreed standard. AIFF has got a standard for storing tags.

Audiofun is right. The argument that FLAC and ALAC are bit perfect is like saying I am a great pianist because I can play all the notes on the keyboard - it isn't enough. The bits need to be delivered with very low levels of distortion of the waveform that represents those bits to avoid jitter problems, and one of the ways to improve that with computer audio is to reduce the number of tasks being performed concurrently by the PC - like unpacking files. The difference in sound between AIFF and ALAC does however differ depending on the Mac used and how it is set up.

Why don't you just let us all know when you have done on James63?

Hi Kgturner, so my assertion that timing/jitter is an issue is specious, at best, huh? Perhaps the point was too subtle for you. Perhaps you just aren't good with analogies. Perhaps I explained it badly. My point is that I hear many people make statements as if the issue is getting bit perfect transmission. That is a very limited pursuit. The more difficult pursuit is to preserve the clock information.

You seem also to be a bit confused about error correction. The flac file is tolerant to errors as you point out, but that is so it can play through errors - not what you just said. The wav file is not tolerant of errors and so those errors become audible and will result in periods of noise during playback or for the file not to be playable beyond the error.

Some DACs are more tolerant of jitter than others, some systems might smooth over the aggressive highs created by jitter, or not have the bass performance to expose the woolly bass caused by jitter. Also, the jitter you get with Windows is different from the jitter you get with an Intel Mac. With Windows you lose tightness and resolution, so the sound is hazy. With an Intel Mac the sound is tighter and more resolving but tends towards a bit of glare and aggression. Both can be improved by various means to reduce these issues.

Reduced jitter will sound like a smoother yet tighter and more resolving presentation that is also less fatiguing. These attributes are often thought of as as trade off, but less jitter gives you an improvement in everything.

The differences between flac and WAV or ALAC and AIFF are very system dependent. A powerful PC or Mac will be less affected than a less powerful one. The only problem with flac and ALAC are that it means the computer must unpack the files as well as stream them. Reducing what the computer does while it is streaming is a good thing. You may not hear the difference through eliminating a task, such as unpacking compressed files, but the process of optimising a computer for digital audio duties includes eliminating as many unnecessary processes as possible, and when you do that the cumulative effect is a very significant improvement in sound, in my opinion.