Answered FLAC files

[Terumi]

I am a complete noob/idiot when it comes down to files, so do pardon me. :(

I noticed several threads in the music threads that are tagged or titled Lossless FLAC. *points to ost threads*

These files are BIG for music files, I saw 100mb++.

Question 1: What are these files?
Question 2: How do I listen to these FLAC files? (I only use Windows Media Player)

Thanks for taking time to read and answer this. *bows head in shame*

 

[Checkmate]

... stick to MP3 then, you're not ready for the FLAC.

No just kidding but anyway the thing is when it comes to arts such as video and music, you always want the highest quality. And highest quality means more size. These FLAC which were provided by us are ripped directly from EAC (Exact Audio Copy), usually the EAC source is directly how it was recorded in studio.

To make it simple:

MP3 Format is lossy format, the music file lose its quality (always), highest MP3 quality is 320kbps constant
FLAC Format is lossless format, the music file does not lose its quality, it's usually ~1200kbps, and it's what the studio recorded at.

In other word: FLAC is good for permanent archive if you don't want to store the original CD or you simply want to backup your original CD if something might happen to your CD, you do not lose the quality. While MP3 is good when you copy it to your Portable Media Player.

I always download FLAC because may be later when I have a proper media system (>5000$), then those FLAC will make a huge difference. However you hardly hear any difference between FLAC and MP3 320kbps with your less than 500$ audio setup, most likely. Yes, I hear the difference since I have a ~2000$ headphone and 300$ amplifier.

I use MediaMonkey to manage all of my audio files and collection.

 

[Terumi]

HAI! I understand.

Thanks a lot for answering.

 

[corocoro]

MP3 Format is lossy format, the music file lose its quality (always), highest MP3 quality is 320kbps constant.

That's the highest offered by LAME. I've seen other encoders that go over this, even in VBR mode - and as we all know VBR > CBR.

 

[Checkmate]

Ah, yeah, I forgot to tell you.

CBR is totally lame.

It's better for you to go with:
FLAC
convert to VBR for your PMP.

I learned these tricks and tips from a famous sound engineer with his 35 years of experience. No kidding there.
He got a forum over www.anythingbutipod.com
(yeah, fun name, and you ain't finding any ipod here)

*Checkmate prouds to provide an Apple free environment since 2005*

 

[xyzapy]

If you want to play FLAC files with Windows Media Player, you need a decoder and a source filter.

You probably have ffdshow which is able to decode FLAC files, so you only need the filter.
Personally, I use DC-BASS source filter but there are other filters like madFLAC or CoreFLAC. Install one of them and you should be able to play FLAC files with WMP.

 

[playerkhan]

Yes, I hear the difference since I have a ~2000$ headphone and 300$ amplifier.

blown! thats really something i must say!... indeed you will be able to hear the difference for sure!

 

[corocoro]

Question answered.
Thread closed.