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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 stilljd

stilljd
163 posts
 

When I ripped my CD collection (maybe 400 +-) to a hard drive I ripped in both FLAC and WAV. To my complete surprise I could hear a small difference in sound on playback. The FLAC files sounded a little more laid back. Could be how the streamer, a Node 2I, or the DAC, a Bel Canto, process the data, I don't know. I preferred the WAV files. Memory is so cheap these days, 4TB for around $100, file size is not an issue for me.

Jim S.

stilljd
163 posts
 

Interesting. I wasn't aware there were different levels of compression available in FLAC. I used the default in Exact Audio Copy when I ripped to an external hard drive and don't know what setting that is. I wonder if that is why I hear difference between FLAC and WAV on replay.

Jim S.

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