When it comes to high-fidelity audio, the debate over Uncompressed vs. Compressed Audio Files is as old as digital music itself. Audiophiles and casual listeners alike often ask: Which one actually sounds better? And perhaps more importantly—does it make a difference in the real world? Let’s break it down.
The Basics: Uncompressed vs. Lossless Compression
- Uncompressed formats like WAV and AIFF store the audio exactly as it was recorded, with every bit of information intact.