Hello. I would like to make 2-3 questions concerning the lossless format.

1) What changes with every new FLAC release (and every new lossless format release)? Is it possible that files encoded with an older FLAC encoder are worse in any kind of way than files encoded with the latest encoder?

2) Is there any serious difference other than "preference" between FLAC, ALAC and WMA Lossless?

3) Is there any difference between Apple's ALAC and dbPowerAMP ALAC? Should I prefer a specific one for iPod and iTunes use? Does dbPowerAMP uses the same encoder with iTunes 9?

Thanks a lot for your time and your answers!

Hi Ilu,

the only point where quality can differ are data reduction compression factor and robustness against bit errors.

The sound quality of all lossless codecs is the same as the original - otherwise they weren't lossles :-)

Other points are:
support for your operating system(s) of choice
is it being actively in development or already abandoned
does your favourite music player support it
etc

1. FLAC Changelog
2. Software and hardware compatibility.
3. dB reverse engineered ALAC, it's not the same as iTunes.

http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?ti...less_comparison

In terms of overall features, FLAC is the winner, and by far the most popular for that reason.

For your ipod, either Alac will work, i just use dB to convert Flacs, and as far as i know, the result is no better or worse than itunes.

Also the kind of license is an issue.
Since all are lossless (same quality), I'd choose an OpenSource and wide supported codec, Flac for example.