Steve,
"ALL lossy compressed formats compromise sound quality IME"
Don't disagree with your point, but want to clarify that FLAC is not lossy but a lossless compressed format that can be converted to WAV or other lossless uncompressed formats with full digital accuracy.
I should also add that the choice between FLAC and WAV is not quite so straightforward. For a multitude of reasons, many systems will not exhibit the same degree of falloff in SQ with FLAC that you describe. For some, it won't be noticeable at all.
"You may have to find them as files and not albums however."
This is not just a trivial problem! We should mention that WAV has the disadvantage of not encapsulating any metadata in its files, as do FLAC and Apple Lossless, leading to library nightmares for more than just a few.
For this reason I usually rip, transfer, and keep stored archive copies in FLAC (this could also be ALAC?), then batch convert an active album set to WAV for critical playback (for albums and systems where WAV seems to matter).
246810,
"Only problem is I promised my girlfriend I would load her Ipod if I could rip her CD's. Does that mean I'll have to rip 2 different times?"
Some ripping software apps let you simultaneously rip to two different formats and folders. Others make batch conversions relatively painless.
"ALL lossy compressed formats compromise sound quality IME"
Don't disagree with your point, but want to clarify that FLAC is not lossy but a lossless compressed format that can be converted to WAV or other lossless uncompressed formats with full digital accuracy.
I should also add that the choice between FLAC and WAV is not quite so straightforward. For a multitude of reasons, many systems will not exhibit the same degree of falloff in SQ with FLAC that you describe. For some, it won't be noticeable at all.
"You may have to find them as files and not albums however."
This is not just a trivial problem! We should mention that WAV has the disadvantage of not encapsulating any metadata in its files, as do FLAC and Apple Lossless, leading to library nightmares for more than just a few.
For this reason I usually rip, transfer, and keep stored archive copies in FLAC (this could also be ALAC?), then batch convert an active album set to WAV for critical playback (for albums and systems where WAV seems to matter).
246810,
"Only problem is I promised my girlfriend I would load her Ipod if I could rip her CD's. Does that mean I'll have to rip 2 different times?"
Some ripping software apps let you simultaneously rip to two different formats and folders. Others make batch conversions relatively painless.