You are choosing to hear the thwack of the rimshot on "Billie Jean" as intended. You are demanding the stereo panning of the synths on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." You are preserving the analog warmth of a 1984 12" single.

Many 1980s tracks were mastered with excellent dynamic range—the difference between the quietest and loudest parts of a song. Lossy compression can muddy the high frequencies (like crisp hi-hats and synth stabs) and flatten the punch of the low-end bass. A FLAC rip preserves: The sharp, clean transients of electronic drums.