When you spin an Incubus album in FLAC, the sonic benefits are immediately apparent:

Ideal for testing instrument separation and complex stereo imaging during the extended guitar solo.

A: Yes, a standard CD rip to FLAC (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) is excellent. It is a perfect, uncompressed copy of the master used for the CD. For an upgrade, seek out "Hi-Res" versions (24-bit, 96 kHz) if available.