View Full Version : FLAC player recommendations
I currently use Clementine on my MacBook. I have previously used Vox also.
What is everyone's recommended player? And is it worth using a paid player like Audirvana?
Audirvana for me, but probably only worth it if you will use the link up with Tidal or Qobuz. otherwise ist horses for courses really. before i used JRiver, which i still use on occasion; its a very good player as well. I believe they also do a mac version.... both have ipad remotes
Audirvana for me, but probably only worth it if you will use the link up with Tidal or Qobuz. otherwise ist horses for courses really. before i used JRiver, which i still use on occasion; its a very good player as well. I believe they also do a mac version.... both have ipad remotesI'll give it a try, thanks
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Cycleallday
07-11-2018, 13:33
The Mac version switches off a number of background services, when running, which optimises the playback quality.
It can also use the iTunes database or work idenpendantly if you wish.
Definitely worth a try.
The Mac version switches off a number of background services, when running, which optimises the playback quality.
It can also use the iTunes database or work idenpendantly if you wish.
Definitely worth a try.The Mac version of Audirvana?
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The Mac version of Audirvana?
Audirvana was originally developed for the Mac and only available for that OS - they have recently launched a version for PC (and are still de-bugging from what I can gather.... :lol: ..)
...And is it worth using a paid player like Audirvana?
... also - been using Audirvana on my two Mac Minis for a few years now, worth every penny :)
It uses it's own codec to bypass the inbuilt iTunes gubbins - a vast improvement.
(never tried Clementine though...)
I still use iTunes to get the metadata when I rip CDs but then store them separately as AIFF files and point Audirvana to that folder. I retain (highest quality) MP3s in the iTunes library for use on my phone.
Audirvana was originally developed for the Mac and only available for that OS - they have recently launched a version for PC (and are still de-bugging from what I can gather.... [emoji38] ..)I heard about the issues they're having, glad I don't use my Pc for music lol
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It uses it's own codec to bypass the inbuilt iTunes gubbins - a vast improvement.
(never tried Clementine though...)
I still use iTunes to get the metadata when I rip CDs but then store them separately as AIFF files and point Audirvana to that folder. I retain (highest quality) MP3s in the iTunes library for use on my phone.
Codec - That is interesting, would you say that bypass produces a noticeable difference in quality?
AIFF - Can you go into that in more detail? I rip CDs often and if the quality can be improved I'm intrigued!
As far as I can tell Clementine doesn't do anything special, just plays FLAC. It's UI is bland and kind of off putting but it's simple and there no notifications or ads constantly popping up so that's always nice. It's also free.
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its not especially buggy tbh. not yet perfect but still already ahead of the game. sure it will improve too. not the only show in town tho, but its a good one for little outlay. roon would be better but its pricey
Codec - That is interesting, would you say that bypass produces a noticeable difference in quality?
AIFF - Can you go into that in more detail? I rip CDs often and if the quality can be improved I'm intrigued!
In my view the way Audirvana handles music produces a much better result than iTunes ...
AIFF is an uncompressed format which means there is no qualitative loss if you copy it; close to WAV in terms of its 'raw' quality.
Downside is that the files are much bigger than FLAC or MP3. Also can't be played on most phone devices as far as I know (but don't think FLAC can either ???) but quite comfortable for the majority of streamers/media players I've checked out.
Flac can be. Most phones will handle it now with right program. It's lossless and identical to wav when unwrapped but much better with metadata
In my view the way Audirvana handles music produces a much better result than iTunes ...
AIFF is an uncompressed format which means there is no qualitative loss if you copy it; close to WAV in terms of its 'raw' quality.
Downside is that the files are much bigger than FLAC or MP3. Also can't be played on most phone devices as far as I know (but don't think FLAC can either ???) but quite comfortable for the majority of streamers/media players I've checked out.If I have 2 ripped files, one FLAC and one AIFF will they both have the same sound quality if neither file is copied elsewhere?
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Flac can be. Most phones will handle it now with right program. It's lossless and identical to wav when unwrapped but much better with metadataI use foobar2000 on my S9+, handles flac fine. There are others out there
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