Tool is famous for hidden Easter eggs (the "Faaip de Oiad" hidden track, the Fibonacci syllable counts). Many of these are frequency-based. The subtle synth pads buried deep in the mix of "Lateralus" (the song) are often lost in lossy compression. A 24-bit FLAC rip reveals the spectral ghost in the machine.
You can listen to a Taylor Swift MP3 at 128kbps and get 95% of the experience. You cannot do that with Lateralus. Here is why lossless audio is non-negotiable for this record. tool lateralus flac
Currently, Lateralus is not officially available in 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution digital download. Many fan-made "vinyl rips" exist, where users digitize the vinyl record into a 24/96 FLAC. Be warned: These vary wildly in quality. A poorly aligned turntable or a dusty record produces a FLAC that sounds worse than the CD. However, a perfect vinyl rip of the Lateralus pressing is the holy grail for many, offering superior dynamic range to the CD. Tool is famous for hidden Easter eggs (the