Lossy vs lossless (FLAC vs MP3)

[rbrian]

I tested my own ripped CDs a few years ago, and decided that 256 sounded better than 128, but there was no difference any higher. I ripped everything at 320 just to make sure. I always assumed it was my cheap earphones (Apple earbuds and £30 Senheissers), but it turns out few people can. That makes me feel better about being cheap!

Have a listen yourselves here:
http://gadgetshow.channel5.com/news/flac-vs-mp3-does-it-really-make-difference

 

[UBS28]

It wasn't hard for me to pick the flac version.

Most people simply don't have good a good setup (high-end DAC and high-end monitors), that's why they can't tell the difference.

 

[cbautis2]

Agree with UBS. Even with High End Audio gear, it'll be very hard to determine between a well encoded 320 Kbps MP3 and Flac. I would agree though if it's Flac vs 192 MP3 where the tiny little details will sound muffled on 192 Khps when played on a highly resolving DAC and headphones. You'll first hear mastering flaws rather than the difference between the two formats.

 

[bbrks]

The difference is huge, provided you can listen to it on a serious HIFI setup.