If you are listening while commuting on a noisy subway, via AirPods, a 256kbps AAC will sound 98% as good. The background noise masks the lossy artifacts.
The 2012 release of Adele’s "Skyfall" in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) represents more than just a pop single; it is a pinnacle of modern high-fidelity production that revitalized the classic "Bond Sound" for the digital age. Technical Excellence in Lossless Format adeleskyfall single2012flac best
Most listeners first heard “Skyfall” as a 256kbps or 320kbps MP3. While convenient, the MP3 codec works by psychoacoustic masking —it literally throws away frequencies the algorithm thinks your brain won’t notice. For a pop song, this might be fine. For “Skyfall,” it’s a crime. If you are listening while commuting on a
Adele – Skyfall – File (24bit-96kHz, FLAC, Single ... - Discogs Technical Excellence in Lossless Format Most listeners first