Hello,
Please help me keep my sanity :-). I have a Windows 7 HTPC. For historic reasons I have ripped a number of my CDs in Apple Lossless format using iTunes with error correction. I am currently using JRMC17.0.99 in WASAPI Event Style to HDMI output of my HTPC that goes into Anthem MRX 700 AVR. The sound is great and I didn't have anything to complain until my dealer told me that most people who really care about ripping use dBpoweramp CD ripper with Accurate Rip to ensure bit-perfect copy, and also use FLAC.
As an experiment I ripped a few CDs using dBpoweramp to FLAC, default compression (level 5). When JRMC17 plays them back, they sound subtly different than ALAC of the same track from the same disc - a bit less transparent and open, a bit more congested in the midrange. For testing purposes, I also ripped ALAC and WAV versions of the same disc. When played through JRMC17 back to back, WAV and ALAC versions sound identical, while FLAC stands out as different.
I tried the tracks in Foobar2000 and all three sound identical. I also tried JRMC17 WASAPI (not event) and they also sound identical.
I checked the configuration and I don't see much to configure for Event Style other than 32bit for 24bit data, and couple more checks. I am confused and question my sanity. Any ideas?