Many FLACs labeled as "CD FLAC" are actually transcoded from 320kbps MP3s. Run a spectral analysis. If frequencies cut off sharply at 20kHz, your "lossless" file is fake. You need a true CD rip.
Purchase the Japanese CD from CDJapan or the 24-bit/96kHz FLAC from HDtracks or Qobuz . The HDtracks version, while still loud, is technically 24-bit and has less inter-sample clipping than the 16-bit CD.
13. Barcelona (3:11) – Note: On the standard CD, this is the worst-clipped track. On this CD Fix, it is clean.
are sometimes preferred over the standard 16-bit CD for a marginal increase in headroom. specific vinyl pressings known for better dynamic range, or do you need help identifying high-resolution retailers for this album? Ed Sheeran - ÷ (Divide) '2017 (0190295859022, DLX, EU)
Both the CD and Vinyl versions reportedly use the same heavily compressed master, leading to similar distortion issues across physical formats. Potential "Fixes" and Guides