First, lets clarify the basics: Lossless data compression is a
class of data compression algorithms that allows the exact
original data to be reconstructed from the compressed data. The
term lossless is in contrast to lossy data compression, which
only allows an approximation of the original data to be
reconstructed, in exchange for better compression rates.
Lossless compression is used in cases where it is important that
the original and the decompressed data be identical, or where
deviations from the original data could be deleterious. - MP3
and AAC (=the fruit company) are lossy compression. - FLAC and
APE are generally used loseless formats. Be aware, that some
cheapest media players and also mobile phones cant play these
formats. APE is supported by only few media players, so be
aware! Usually FLAC-s are ripped from CD-s at 12bit/44kHz
resolution. Some FLAC-s are HD audio capable 24bit 48 kHz, 96
kHz or even higher definition. This is also too much for some
players. AIFF is widely used uncompressed high-