FLAC achieves lossless compression by encoding only the mathematically redundant bits in an audio stream, delivering the same sound quality as an uncompressed WAV file but in a package that is typically 40% to 60% smaller. It can be decompressed on playback to reconstruct an exact, byte-for-byte replica of the original master recording—identical to a ZIP file for documents.

The subtle harmonic distortion of the TG12345 solid-state mixing console—used for the first time on this album—is preserved perfectly.

The dramatic entry of the brass and string arrangements without any digital distortion or clipping. How to Optimize Your Playback Setup

The most significant high-resolution FLAC release is the 50th Anniversary Edition (2019) curated by Giles Martin, son of original producer George Martin.