How to convert ALAC to FLAC?

[sc53]

My whole library on my PC (WinXP Pro) is in Apple Lossless ripped in iTunes. I wanted to have a second library (or subset of my main library) that is in FLAC. How would I create a second library (without wiping out my ALAC library) of my tunes decoded as FLAC, without having to re-rip everything from the original CDs. I want to compare the two formats on my SB3.
Added thought: would I have to convert ALAC to AIFF instead, since iTunes doesn't support FLAC? IF so, how would I do that conversion without having to re-rip?

[SteveEast]

dBpowerAMP will convert ALAC to FLAC or AIFF - though for the latter you'd have to use r11 since the new r12 doesn't yet support AIFF.

You're right, iTunes doesn't support FLAC so if the transcoded stuff has to be under iTunes control you'll have to go AIFF.

Personally, I just keep all my FLAC stuff off to one side and just let iTunes look after MP3 and AAC.

Steve.

[jfo]

If you just want to compare the formats, you could use dbpoweramp to convert a few files/cd's to FLAC and put them in a new directory...say G:/flac. Then just point Slimserver to that directory in server settings, while maintaining the "use itunes" menu item. It will add both your itunes lossless and the FLAC directory when you rescan. You would probably need to change the file name so that you can distinguish the matching cd's in SS....add a 1 or letter to the name. Since they will convert with the tags, etc, they will appear identical. Then you can switch back and forth to compare. When I compared the formats I was unable to hear any difference and others I know have had the same results. I have not seen anyone report that they have detected audible differences between lossless formats..at least not Apple lossless and FLAC. I ended up converting my collection to FLAC from ALAC but it wasn't because of audio quality.

Jim