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<\/p>\nWith MP3 a few more years away, there’s no doubt that it will increasingly be abandoned in favor of lossless or, in the Moli\u00e8re language, lossless formats. At a time when even the iPhone is becoming FLAC compatible, let’s see how it is maintained by default and where to find content.<\/p>\n
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MP3 is a big step back in terms of audio quality. The success is mainly due to its practicality, as it took up little space on our thin hard drives and portable players (something that sometimes looked like a smartphone but was only used for music!). easily traded on a very slow website.<\/p>\n
The format has evolved over the years, increasing the bit rate previously limited to 128 kbps to 320 kbps. Compression still overwrites the details of the sound and increasing the bit rate increases the file size, but the rendering is “almost satisfactory”.<\/p>\n
Therefore, MP3 and other compression formats (AAC, Ogg Vorbis, etc.) are not the absolute evil, but lag behind CD quality.<\/p>\n
Compared to them, FLAC and ALAC, among others, offer compressed lossless playback. Music files are 3-5 times larger than MP3, but offer minimal CD quality (16 bit, 44.1 kHz). Better yet, they are capable of playing high-resolution music (see our high-resolution article), the encoding of which is traditionally 24-bit \/ 96 kHz or even 192 kHz. At a time when Internet speed and storage are less of a concern, losses are bound to gain the upper hand and make the good news easier to find.<\/p>\n
Walkman compatible with high-resolution files includes a DAC. They are a great way to have an audiophile player at home and on the go.<\/p>\n
Lossless purchase and streaming<\/p>\n
The non-exhaustive list below will lead you to certain platforms where you can drink without loss. Do not hesitate to tell us your good plans, we will integrate them into the article!<\/p>\n
Quobuz: One of the ardent pioneers and advocates of high-resolution lossless formats is the French site Quobuz. Offers the purchase of FLAC files on CD or in high resolution. Subscribing to your entire catalog on FLAC 16bits \/ 44.1 kHz equates to $ 19.99 per month.<\/p>\n
7digital: from CD-quality FLAC with 24-bit high resolution via MP3 at 320 kbps; 7digital offers the format option in its impressive catalog. No subscription, just buy, but on top.<\/p>\n
Tidal: This streaming site is the answer of the artists on Spotify and Deezer. More concerned about the rendering because titles are encoded lossless, it pays the authors more. FLAC’s CD quality subscription formula is \u20ac 19.99, but the site is also starting to offer 24-bit transmission on 44.1 or 48 kHz thanks to an encoding format called MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) that can be encapsulated in a FLAC file .<\/p>\n
Spotify and Deezer: The two music streaming giants are gradually switching to lossless music. A CD-quality Spotify Hi-Fi offer (16-bit \/ 44.1 kHz) instead of the 320 kbps Vorbis codec is being tested with some privileged subscribers. There is no official announcement or award yet, but it is only a matter of time. Deezer, for its part, offers a Hi-Fi formula with CD quality as part of a partnership with Sonos.<\/p>\n
Homemade: FLAC is so emerging that we almost forget the obvious. And if we want to get files as CD, we start … buying the CD! Sometimes they are cheaper than their dematerialized equivalent. Then you can convert with software like CDex, Foobar 2000, Exact Audio Copy, etc.<\/p>\n
Many other more specialized sites sell high resolution music: Super HiRez, HDtracks, ProStudioMasters. Some are not even concerned with compression, they offer record masters digital masters. A way to get closer to the artist’s intentions!<\/p>\n
The equipment to enjoy lossless music.<\/p>\n
The public is increasingly moving towards audiophile products.
\nAnywhere, iOS 11 or Android smartphones can decode a FLAC file. Some present their sound quality as the Honor 9, the Meizu Pro 6 Plus, the HTC U11, but in order to restore the sound scale and naturalness, it is recommended to use an analog converter.<\/p>\n
The DAC, both portable and integrated into your stereo system, reproduces the sound spectrum better. More faithful, better defined, refines the spaciousness and richness of the details of each instrument.<\/p>\n
These DACs, as they are called, come in a variety of sizes. Some are mobile phones, such as Audioquest’s DragonFly, which can be connected to a mobile (using an adapter) or a computer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"