[gkinberg]

I am in the learning process regarding the digital music scene.  I hope this is the right circle to post this question in.  Which is the “best” internet store to purchase lossless music files from? I want to join a service that allows me unlimited downloads per month for a flat fee, like Rhapsody, but lossless files not MP3’s. My understanding is that Rhapsody only offers MP3’s.

In addition, which lossless file is the “best”? Of course WAV files would be preferable even though they are large in size, because hard drive space is relatively cheap these days. However, I don’t know of a service that provides WAV downloads.  Therefore, file size not considered, which lossless file retains the most resolution.

Thanks, Garth

[Vincent Kars]

which lossless file retains the most resolution.

I’m afraid you are struggling a bit with the concept of lossless.
Lossless=Lossless
All lossless files types made of the same track contain exactly the same bits at the same sample rate.
WAV is a uncompressed format.
FLAC, WMAL, etc are lossless compressed. This is identical to WinZip, if you expand them, you get the original content.
The problem with WAV is the lack of a tagging standard.
http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/KB/WAV_KB.htm

[gkinberg]

Unfortunately you're right, I am struggling. I assumed that compressed ment lossless "light". Thanks for the info. What is the significance of the lack of a tagging standard?

I am looking to generate a quality digital library. I want it to be playable with a variety of devices (laptop, squeezbox, PS3, etc...) because, this technology appears to continually change. Therefore, versitility seems key.

Is there a website or book or site that explains the basics

Thanks, Garth

[Vincent Kars]

What is the significance of the lack of a tagging standard?

Lack of portability.
If you want the files to be played on laptop, squeezbox, PS3, etc they should all read the same tags. In case of MP3 this is not a problem as they all kan read ID3 tags.
In case of WAV there is no standard so you probably won't see any tag the moment you use another media player, another device or move the file to another computer.

Is there a website or book or site that explains the basics

Maybe my website is of use: http://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/Starter.htm

[whanafi]

Unfortunately you're right, I am struggling. I assumed that compressed ment lossless "light". Thanks for the info. What is the significance of the lack of a tagging standard?

I am looking to generate a quality digital library. I want it to be playable with a variety of devices (laptop, squeezbox, PS3, etc...) because, this technology appears to continually change. Therefore, versitility seems key.

Is there a website or book or site that explains the basics

Thanks, Garth

There is an exhaustive article here:

http://blog.bowers-wilkins.com/lab/sound-quality-lab/the-definitive-guide-to-24-bit-flac/

and they also have a download service for some great music, but it is not a major catalog

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=3550

To learn about ripping and digital music from one of the best software applications:
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/spoons-audio-guide.htm

and finally, tagging is quickly done with MP3Tag, which despite its name, handles FLAC as well.
http://www.mp3tag.de/en/index.html

Tagging is what makes the difference between a random set of files, and a well organized and accessible music collection.  Software such as Squeezebox Server and MediaMonkey use the tags to present your music by Artist, Album, Genre, and so on.