Downloads for Mac
Pristine Classical downloads
Downloads for Mac
FLAC is a lossless audio format. It preserves the full quality of the original recording while keeping file sizes smaller than uncompressed audio. It works well on a Mac, but Apple’s own Music app does not handle FLAC as smoothly as many dedicated music players do.
Choosing your file format
If you own a lossless tier, you can choose FLAC, ALAC or WAV from My Downloads, at the quality you own. Choose your quality when buying and your file format when downloading. You do not need to buy the recording again to choose another lossless format at that quality.
Owning only the MP3 version does not unlock lossless formats. Choosing a different file format does not upgrade a 16-bit purchase to 24-bit.
The short version
Mac users have two good routes:
Play FLAC directly
Use a FLAC-compatible player such as VLC, Vox, foobar2000, Colibri, Pine Player or another dedicated Mac music app.
Use ALAC with Apple Music
ALAC (Apple Lossless) is suitable for Apple’s Music app. If you own a lossless tier, choose ALAC directly in My Downloads. There is no need to convert the files yourself.
Choose MP3 instead
If you want the least fuss and maximum compatibility, MP3 remains the simplest option.
What is FLAC?
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. Unlike MP3, it does not discard audio information to reduce file size. A 16-bit FLAC file gives you CD-quality sound, while a 24-bit FLAC file gives you our highest-resolution download option.
MP3 – Smaller files
Smaller files, widest compatibility, good for phones, tablets and casual listening.
16-bit CD Quality
Lossless CD-quality sound. The best general choice for most hi-fi listening.
24-bit Studio Quality
Highest-resolution Pristine downloads. Best for suitable DACs, streamers and hi-fi systems.
How to play FLAC files on Mac
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Download the recording
Sign in and choose Download this order beside the purchase in Orders, or open the order and use its download button. On a phone, the order-list action is under the three-dot More actions menu. You can also find the recording in My Downloads. Choose an available download, using More download options for additional formats. -
Open the ZIP file
Most Pristine downloads arrive as a ZIP file. Double-click it, then copy or extract the folder to wherever you keep your music. -
Try opening a FLAC file
Your Mac may preview or play the file, but for regular listening we recommend using a proper music player. -
Choose the format for your player
Play FLAC in a compatible app, or choose ALAC in My Downloads to import the music into Apple Music.
Recommended Mac music players
VLC
Free, widely used and able to open almost any audio or video file. Very useful for checking and playing FLAC files.
Vox
A polished Mac music player with support for lossless formats. Good for listeners who want something more music-focused than VLC.
foobar2000
Lightweight, practical and familiar to many audio enthusiasts. Less decorative, but very capable.
Colibri, Pine Player, Swinsian, Audirvana, Roon and other specialist apps are also used by collectors who want better library management or hi-fi playback.
What about Apple Music?
Use ALAC for lossless music in Apple’s Music app. Owners of a lossless tier can select ALAC in My Downloads. At the same resolution, it preserves the same audio quality as FLAC.
If you already have FLAC files, you can play them in a compatible app or convert them to ALAC using the instructions below. Conversion to MP3 discards sound information; conversion between FLAC and ALAC need not.
Converting existing FLAC files to ALAC
You will need a conversion app. Many Mac users use tools such as XLD, fre:ac, MediaHuman Audio Converter, dBpoweramp or similar audio converters.
- Open your conversion app.
- Add the FLAC files from the extracted download folder.
- Choose ALAC or Apple Lossless as the output format.
- Convert the files.
- Import the converted ALAC files into Apple Music.
Which quality should I buy?
Choose 16-bit CD Quality for lossless CD-quality listening, or 24-bit Studio Quality for our highest resolution if your playback equipment supports it. MP3 – Smaller files is the option for smaller, widely compatible files.
For explanations of 320 kbps, bit depth and file formats, see our beginner’s guide.
Making an audio CD
Yes. Choose 16-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV in My Downloads for making a standard audio CD. If you own the 24-bit version, choose the 16-bit WAV option for this purpose. This gives you a CD-ready copy; your original 24-bit download remains available.
Extract the downloaded ZIP folder, then add the WAV tracks in order to an Audio CD project in your CD-burning software. Use a blank CD-R and a drive that can write CDs. Do not choose a data disc or simply copy the WAV files onto the disc.
Keep each disc within the blank CD’s playing time, usually 80 minutes. See Making audio CDs from downloads for the full steps, including Windows and Mac software.
Can I copy FLAC files to a streamer or music server?
Yes. FLAC is widely supported by hi-fi streamers, network players and music servers. In many systems, you can simply copy the extracted album folder to your music library and let your server or streamer scan it.
Frequently asked questions
Can Apple Music play FLAC files?
For Apple’s Music library, use ALAC. Lossless owners can choose ALAC directly in My Downloads. Existing FLAC files can be converted to ALAC or played in a FLAC-compatible app.
Is ALAC as good as FLAC?
Yes. FLAC and ALAC are both lossless formats. They store the audio differently, but both can preserve the full quality of the recording.
Should I convert 24-bit FLAC to ALAC?
You can, provided your converter preserves the original resolution. If your playback system supports high-resolution audio, this can be a good way to keep the files inside Apple’s ecosystem without losing quality.
Can I use MP3 instead?
Yes. MP3 is the easiest format to use with Apple Music, phones, tablets and car systems. It is not lossless, but it is convenient and widely compatible.
The ZIP file opened, but I cannot find the music.
Extract or copy the folder from the ZIP file first. Then look for files ending in .flac, .mp3, .m4a, .wav or .aiff, depending on the format you are using.
My Mac asks which app to use. What should I choose?
Choose a FLAC-compatible music player such as VLC, Vox or foobar2000. If you want to use Apple Music, choose ALAC in My Downloads.
I just want the simplest option. What should I buy?
Choose 16-bit CD Quality for lossless CD-quality listening, 24-bit Studio Quality for the highest resolution we offer, or MP3 – Smaller files to save space. Check that your player supports the files you intend to use. An MP3-only purchase does not include lossless audio.