FLAC
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a lossless compressed audio format, so there is no loss of sound quality as a result of the data compression.
Some products are available in a choice of FLAC qualities:
- CD Quality (sometimes called ‘standard definition’). This has a bit depth (i.e. resolution) of 16 bits/sample and a sample rate of 44.1khz or, occasionally, 48.0khz. Standard CDs use 16-bit & 44.1khz, so a CD Quality download should be indistinguishable from the same recording on CD.
- Hi-Res (sometimes called high definition, HD or studio quality). This has a bit depth of 24 bits/sample and one of a number of possible sample rates ranging from 44.1khz to 192khz. 24-bit is often used in Blu-ray and DVD audio and is a more accurate recording of the original sound than is possible with 16-bit.
For downloads of items where the physical product is an SACD, the download will be in 2-channel stereo only.
FLAC is not supported by all devices and software, and some systems do not support 24-bit data. Please check the specification of your equipment before buying downloads.
MP3
MP3 is a lossy compressed audio format. The quality of the audio will be somewhat lower than that of a CD but the file size is smaller than the equivalent FLAC file. All our downloads have a bit rate of 320kbps, the highest available.
For downloads of items where the physical product is an SACD, the download will be in 2-channel stereo only.
Please note that, due to technical limitations in this audio format, MP3s don't support gapless playback, meaning that in segue tracks (e.g. a movement that moves straight into another without a break) you may hear a very brief interruption in the sound.
MP3 is supported by most devices and software but please check the specification of your equipment before buying downloads.