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Topic: Transcoding from FLAC vs. ripping from CD (Read 3861 times) previous topic - next topic
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Transcoding from FLAC vs. ripping from CD

Hey, I'd like to know if there is a difference between transcoding a song from FLAC into a lossy format and ripping directly the song from the CD into the same format. I guess the quality of the final lossy file is exactly the same with the two methods, but I wanna be sure.

Transcoding from FLAC vs. ripping from CD

Reply #1 –
You are absolutely correct -- so long as the FLACs come from a proper CD-rip, there will be no difference whatsoever.

Transcoding from FLAC vs. ripping from CD

Reply #2 –
First, let’s assume the FLAC and the unnamed lossy format were ripped from the same CD using the same drive and the same settings. Search for background information on accurately extracting CDs if you’re not sure about this bit. If the two files are not from the same source, all bets are off, and you take your chances there, but it makes the question irrelevant. So, assuming identical origins:

Quote
Any difference?
No.

Quote
I guess the quality of the final lossy file is exactly the same with the two methods
Yes.

Let’s analyse this. What could possibly exist that could introduce a difference between the two methods?

Ripping to any format requires an intermediate uncompressed stage, where the audio from the CD is fed into an encoder, be it lossless or lossy. Converting from FLAC to a lossy format requires an intermediate uncompressed stage, just the same. But why would either of these stages introduce a difference? The audio going into the lossy encoder will be the same in either case.

Transcoding from FLAC vs. ripping from CD

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the answer.