What's The Difference Between An MP3 And A WAV File?

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between an MP3 and a WAV file? What makes one "better" than the other? And why would anyone choose one over the other?

In this video I discuss the fundamental difference between MP3 and WAV files. Maybe you've always wondered why one is considered "lossy" while the other is considered "the best quality"? If you are wondering why that is, watch the video to find out!

People have been talking about both of these audio files for over two decades. Downloading MP3 files off the internet has become something that many people do. Once these files are downloaded, they can be listened to on a personal audio device. Or, if you are old fashioned, you can still burn them to CD and make a mixed CD.

WAV files are much larger, but the sound quality is much better. There is no loss of audio quality. This is the format that is preferred by musicians, or people who want the best quality audio possible.

Which one do you use the most? Like many people, the one I use depends on the situation. Either one is best for specific scenarios. Do you tend to use MP3s or WAVs?

Can you tell the difference between an MP3 and a WAV? Is it a very noticeable difference? I do think some people with very sharp ears could tell the difference. But the average person on the street, that is, the casual listener, could probably never tell.

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[edned]

Good stuff. It would be interesting to hear a comparison of both MP3 and WAV with FLAC.