If Audio Files were a Sleeping Bag
I know it could be a personal preference, but in theory which is closest?
Currently, I have ripped all my CDs and stream them wirelessly through the AX to my Onkyo TX-SR608 and Paradigm Titan speakers. I do listen to CDs, but most of the time it is streamed.
I have a rather large library that I originally ripped into MP3, but want to re-rip and get the best possible quality - and file size is not a concern for me. I can always buy more HDDs.
I have ripped into both for a test and they sound the same to me, but that is with my current equipment. I want to be able to insure the best I can that when I upgrade my stereo that I will not regret the format I chose and feel a need to re-rip everything again.
Just wanted to comment the original post. I have not read this entire thread...
Lossless Uncompressed: AIFF and WAV
Lossless Compressed: ALAC and FLAC
Lossy Compressed: AAC and mp3
Concider your audiofile to be a sleeping bag. Very nice one that will keep you warm at -40Celcius. Unpacked it's huge and difficult to transport. It takes up the entire backseat of a car, cause it's an AIFF-sleeping bag, but once installed you are guaranteed a very nice sleep.
But hey - it came with a tiny condom for transportation (The FLAC- Container), but will it fit? After massive work and some beating it will and the best part, it takes up no more space than a pair of shoes. Is it broken or damaged? Not at all, just let it breathe and it will give you the same sleep as before.
I stumbled over this cool looking leather condom instead of the original (The ALAC Container). That's fair, just dump your bag into your new container, still the same sleeping bag.
Now some people wish to travel light. This means cutting of layers and insulation from the sleeping bag, never to return. Sleeping in less than 15celcius is no longer an option, and if you want to go back, you have to buy a new one! It has become the mp3 sleeping bag. You go here once in a lifetime at most, and you regret this very much.
In other words you can take the lossless file and move it around as you see fit. But once it is lossy it's a done deal. HD will cost you nothing and ripping takes massive time. So get the memory you need and get it right right away!
Pros and Cons:
Lossless Uncompressed: Audio quality as your original CD, takes up huge space, saves the processor the compression work
Lossless Compressed: Audio as CD, takes limited space, pulls some processor capacity while packing unpacking the file
Lossy Compressed: Like listening to a waste basket. The dynamics of the file is gone forever, especially the low range. Higher sounds will get a clinic feel and for the ear it's tiresome over time. Compressor need to unpack, although very small files.
Now - don't ever take a lossy file and put it in a lossless container. That's like carrying the ****** tiny sleeping bag in a huge box. The good stuff is torn from the file, even if you name it AIFF or ALAC.
Summary:
1) Never buy your music in iTunes Store (AAC 256kbps) until Apple realize it is not up to them to dismantle what artists put together so nicely for all of us.
2) iTunes will transcode on the fly when syncing to portable devices (AAC 128 kbps). It's fair for earplugs in a city environment and it leaves room for a loot of music for that device. I would prefer AAC 256 but for now, not an option!!!
3) "I think my AIFF sounds better than my ALAC". Exactly, you think it does, but it doesn't!. The output while playing has identical profiles. These profiles are sampled and brought to you bu what ever equipment you have. Ditching your dock station or adding serious digital ti analog conversion will make a difference. Lossless to Lossless makes no difference.
Note: FLAC files may be ripped in various qualities. Live with it or find the CD and do it your self.
FYI: XLD is the best lossless lossless converter there is for MAC imo. This is how to bring your FLACs to iTunes.
HB
HD-AAC sounds the worst 