(
Free 
Lossless 
Audio 
Codec)  An open-source audio compression method from the Xiph.Org Foundation.  FLAC is used to compress audio files to at least 50% of their original size (2:1 ratio).  Unlike MP3, which provides a 10:1 compression ratio but eliminates content, FLAC files are restored to the original PCM sampling rate before being played, which can be CD quality (44.1/16) or higher (96/24, 192/24, etc.).  See 
Ogg, 
high-resolution audio and 
digital media server.
FLAC Support
These earlier McIntosh and Escient high-end media servers held thousands of FLAC files.  They had built-in optical drives for ripping CDs to the hard drive.  (Equipment courtesy of World Wide Stereo.)