No, the sound quality of digital music on a CD is not the same as the sound quality of a FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) file. Here's why:
Compression: FLAC is a lossless audio format, which means it compresses audio data without sacrificing any quality. When a song is encoded to FLAC, it retains all the original audio information, resulting in bit-for-bit accuracy when the file is decoded and played back. On the other hand, the audio on a CD is typically in a compressed format like PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), but it uses a different compression algorithm than FLAC. CDs use a form of lossless compression called "Red Book" audio, which achieves a smaller file size compared to uncompressed audio but still retains all the original audio data.
Bitrate: The bitrate refers to the amount of data processed per unit of time in an audio file. FLAC files can have variable bitrates depending on the complexity of the audio, but they are typically larger in file size than CD audio. CD audio has a fixed bitrate of 1,411.2 kilobits per second (kbps), which is higher than the average bitrate of FLAC files. The higher bitrate of CD audio allows for more audio data per second and potentially higher audio fidelity.
Source and mastering: Another factor that can impact sound quality is the source of the music and the mastering process. The original recording, mixing, and mastering techniques used during the production of the music can significantly affect the final sound quality, regardless of the format it's encoded in. Both CD audio and FLAC can accurately represent the source material, but if the original recording or mastering was of low quality, it will be preserved in both formats.
In summary, while both CD audio and FLAC aim to provide high-quality sound reproduction, FLAC files offer a lossless compression method that preserves the original audio data without any loss in quality. CDs use a different form of compression, but they still retain all the original audio information. The perceived difference in sound quality may depend on various factors, including the listener's equipment, environment, and personal preferences.