The default compression level for FLAC is Level 5, and this is where an optimal balance between file size reduction and playback performance is achieved.

If you use Foobar2000 on Windows to play a FLAC file, you can right-click on the file in the Foobar2000 playlist. Choose “Properties” from the menu that appears. Then choose the “Details” tap in the “Properties” window. You can view sample rate, bit depth, and bitrate.

44.1kHz
Sampling rate in audio is literally the number of “samples” taken per second. This is measured in Hertz (Hz). Now, the common rate is that of CDs or FLAC, which is a lossless audio file. This clocks in at 44.1kHz.

approximately 2:1
FLAC compresses files at a ratio of approximately 2:1, reducing the size of the original by 50%.

Look up the audio file analysis tool ‘Spek’, run the file through it and look at where the waveform cuts off, if it’s at about 16khz or below its probably a transcode. If it extends up to 22khz, it’s probably good.

FLAC is compressed, but still lossless. The bitrate depends on the level of compression. A higher compression, say 500kbps, sounds the exact same compared to a lower compression, say 1100kbps, although it takes more system resources to decode the higher compression.

It’s impossibly to answer in general case, what is better FLAC (as one of PCM implementations) or DSD. Technically in theory, DSD format is better, because it have simpler hardware. But, there are many variables, that cause different result (DSD better PCM or contrary) in practical implementations.

FLAC supports only fixed-point samples, not floating-point. It can handle any PCM bit resolution from 4 to 24 bits per sample, any sampling rate from 1 Hz to 65,535 Hz in 1 Hz increments or from 10 Hz to 655,350 Hz in 10 Hz increments, and any number of channels from 1 to 8.

Average size: 250mb to 450mb per album. Unlike MP3 files – which lose data and sacrifice sound quality in favor of smaller file sizes – FLAC is a lossless digital format that retains the full sound quality of the original CD. FLAC files are compatible with many players, but they are not compatible with iTunes.

Advantages of FLAC Format. FLAC compresses audio file without losing quality, which preserves high quality in relatively smaller storage than other lossless audio formats like WAV, APE, etc. FLAC is accepted by many gadgets as well as multimedia players.