Why do Wav and Flac Files Sound Different?


This article is from 2016, so outfits like JRiver may have developed workarounds for the metadata/sound quality issues sussed out below. Inquiring minds want to know.

Why Do WAV And FLAC Files Sound Different?

"Based on these results, we attempted to pinpoint which section of the metadata might be responsible. Since the cover art file associated with the metadata is the largest contributor to the metadata header size, we began by examining the effect of deleting cover art prior to the WAV-to-FLAC-to-WAV conversion protocol. This proved fortuitous, as our first suspicion proved correct."

bolong

Showing 2 responses by aldnorab

If FLAC levels 0-8 are all lossless, why are there so many FLAC choices, and why would anyone ever use anything but level 8?

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thank you @corente for the answer. Guess if FLAC was developed today there would be fewer levels. 

 

 I would like to know what format the major studios supply streaming and download companies with. 

Thanks,

aldnorab