Hello,

I wonder if there is a method for testing if a lossless file (flac or ape) was obtained by ripping an audio cd, or it was made from some lossy source.

Thanks.

Hello,

You can check the origin of lossless files with Audiochecker (http://www.dester.hu/English/main_e.html). This is a frontend for AUCDtect (http://true-audio.com).

Historically we've checked stuff like this by expanding the lossless file back into a .wav file, and comparing the initial .wav file with the new re-expanded one. There are file comparison faclilites in EAC and CDEX (freeware) and XP has a FC command line facility in it, if memory serves.

It's not unusual for rips and expands to be off by a few leading or trailing zeroes, but these days most software is better than that and the outcome of the comparison is dead nuts identical.

The OP was asking how to identify whether a given lossless file is created from a pristine source like a wav straight from a CD or whether it's the product of some wanker recompressing his 64 kbps CBR MP3s to FLAC.

I suggest to ignore those wanker pirate files and buying CD's or digital downloads instead. These threads should be closed.. I'm seeing more and more these questions how to deal with pirated music.. makes me want to hurl.

If you have a .cue, use cuetools+accuraterip first & then try FooCDtect V2.1 Beta (25-09-08) [the best AUCDtect frontend IMHO] when CD is not in accuraterip database or is original but of doubtfull origins (bootlegs) or you don't have a .cue.

Sometimes easier to donwload a pirated FLAC than converting your own legal/original CD to FLAC. Especially is you are lazy.
But you're right, pirated sources are usually unreliable.

IMHO ripping a CD is not hard and time consuming at all.. once you have set up your ripper, it's very easy and quick.

I'm right, pirated sources are usually unreliable illegal. (in most countries, if not all.. morally all)