PC wav lossless vs MAC apple lossless

Hi there. I am still trying to figure out all of the permutations of this PC Server thing. I am experimenting with many alternatives and variables before I settle on what I will do with my 500 CD collection. I dont want to rip (import) these CD's more than once!

I have not been that happy experimenting with my new MAC and apple lossless. Frankly, even with all the changes I have made and tweaked - I can clearly hear that the music is superior through my inexpensive Panasonic CD player. (I run both the CD player and the computer through a Musical Fidelity X-DAX v8)

I have been using Apple lossless because that seems to be the consensus as the best route, from those on this site. However, perhaps it is just because I am used to Windows Media Player - but I find WMP to be a better interface for managing the music - so now I am thinking to keep the files on a PC instead and try using WAV lossless on my PC.

Question 1 -- I have heard that there are sound problems with Windows XP that were resolved in Windows Vista. Is this true ? Something about a kernel? I have XP now but would upgrade to Vista if it made a difference. I play the music out via the USB connection.

Question 2 -- Is there any known difference between saving these files in WAV format vs. Apple lossless ?

Question 3 -- Given that the consensus has always seemed to be MAC and apple lossless -- for my understanding, why is this superior to PC and WAV?

Thanks guys !
Mark