Not all FLACs are created equal. A "FLAC" file ripped from a CD (16-bit / 44.1kHz) is superior to a "FLAC" transcoded from a 128kbps YouTube stream.
For Madcon - Beggin - specifically, the optimal specs are: Madcon - Beggin -Original Version- -FLAC-
Warning: Many P2P networks and torrent sites label files as "FLAC" when they are simply upscaled MP3s. To verify you have a genuine Original Version in FLAC, use spectral analysis software (like Spek). A true FLAC will show frequency content reaching up to 22.05 kHz (for 44.1kHz) with a smooth roll-off. A fake FLAC will show a hard cut-off at 16 kHz or 18 kHz. Not all FLACs are created equal
You might ask: “Isn’t an MP3 good enough for a 2000s hip-hop track?” Warning: Many P2P networks and torrent sites label
The answer, specifically for Beggin’, is no. Here is why FLAC is critical for this piece of music.
Madcon’s Beggin’ relies heavily on sub-bass frequencies that most lossy codecs (MP3/AAC) decimate to save space. In a 320kbps MP3, the low-end can sound "woofy." In FLAC, the sub-bass extension is tight and controlled. You will hear the difference on a decent set of open-back headphones or studio monitors.