Ideally, you’ll want to use the Mac’s digital audio output to connect to an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that is, in turn, connected to a stereo.

• Audio Player For Mac Os X
• Winamp For Mac
• Audio Player For Mac
• Best Free Audio Player For Mac
• Real Audio Player For Mac

Read definitive guide by audio software developer Yuri Korzunov about:
• free and commercial hi res audio player software apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and other [computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets],
• online for audiophiles,
• Frequently Answered Questions,
• what is the best music player app,
• supported formats (WAV, FLAC, DSD [DSF, DFF, SACD ISO], MQA, m4a, ..) and others.

• Fidelia is the high-definition audio player for sophisticated music lovers. With support for all contemporary audio file formats and an elegant interface that focuses exclusively on music, it gives users the power and the freedom to organize, customize and savor their digital music collection at the highest possible fidelity in any circumstance.
• VLC Media Player has to be one of the most popular third-party media players available for Mac (as well as PC, Android, iOS and so on) due to its compatibility with a breathtaking number of audio.
• All things considered, installing MKPlayer on your Mac is an excellent decision if you need to play audio and video content even if the app is still in its initial state and still needs a few updates until it can replace well-established names such as VLC and Iina. Media player Video player.

HD audio file conversion

High-resolution audio player software

Hi res music player software for audiophiles (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, online) for WAV, FLAC, DSD (DSF, DFF, SACD ISO, DoP), MQA, m4a, ..

WARNING: This table can contain errors. It is not an offer or advertising. We are not affiliated with listed products. We guarantee nothing. If you found wrong information, contact us, please. To get exact information, contact with the software developers and/or vendors.
Supported sample rate and bit depth may depend on a file format.

Read more:

What is the best hi-res audio player software

Which high-resolution audio player has the best sound quality is your personal choice rather. Some audio players may playback qualitative audio files without altering (bit-perfect). In general, there is no matter, that player is use for it, but some nuances are there. Below how to make the choice is discussed.

Sound quality

Playback modes

An audio player may works in 2 base modes (depend on the software abilities):

1. bit-perfect (transmitting data from an audio file to DAC without altering);
2. processing mode (resampling, room correction and other).

In bit-perfect mode, the sound quality is defined by DAC and next audio devices.
This mode consumes minimal computing resources and is desirable for non-powerful computers.

Processing mode sound quality depends on the player and/or processing plug-in.
This mode may consume many computing resources (more quality = more resources), and, sometimes, can't work at lower-performance computers. Also, this mode consumes more electrical energy for calculations and cooling, than a bit-perfect one.
When fans work in intensive mode, they cause more noise.

Gapless playback

Some albums (operas, live concerts, etc.) should be played back as a continuous stream.

Some players can begin the next song without DAC re-initialization.
This ability is called as Gapless playback.
It may be applied for as bit-perfect as processed modes (see 'Playback modes').

Also played back audio files may be pre-converted in gapless mode too.
This mode has a sense when audio files are resampled or DSD files are processed.
Gapless conversion has a sense, when the audio player works in gapless mode.

ASIO

ASIO is a kind of audio drivers by audio interface vendors, that provide low latency and use of specific properties of the audio interface. ASIO SDK (programming tools) is provided by Steingberg.

As rule, ASIO driver is provided together with a sound device. Specific functionality management is supported via a special software control panel.

There is universal ASIO-driver ASIO4All. But, as rule, DAC-vendor driver is more recommended.

Latest MacOS versions use their builtin drivers (Core Audio) instead ASIO. So, you no need special drivers to works with a DAC. However, audio device vendors may provide Mac's ASIO drivers for some devices.

Read more:

• How to configure foobar2000 for DSD playback >

WASAPI

WASAPI is builtin Windows drivers to direct access to audio interface without operating system processings. May be used instead of ASIO.

WASAPI may use exclusive access to an audio interface to render sound stream directly to the DAC's audio buffer without mixing of audio streams from several applications. So, no operating system's audio processing is there.

Native DSD

Native DSD is sending DSD audio stream from audio file to DSD DAC without conversion to PCM.

ASIO drivers under Windows may support it. Under the latest MacOS version, DSD audio stream should be packed in DoP format. The packing is lossless. Also, DoP format may be used on Windows.

Read more:

• How to configure foobar2000 for DSD playback >

DSD to PCM

DSD audio stream may not be played on PCM DAC. Before sending the stream to the DAC, this stream should be converted to PCM.

It consumes processing resources. In the general case, better sound quality depends on amount of computing resources.

Some computers may have a lack of computing power to realtime DSD to PCM conversion. It may be solved via offline DSD to PCM conversion. Also, it saves free space at hard disk (HDD) of an audio player (allow more songs on the disk). It may be very useful for portable/mobile devices.

Read more:

Functionality

One of the widespread demands to players are:

• album artwork displaying;
• text metadata displaying;
• search in song database;
• web radio/streaming playback.

Audio player software F.A.Q.

Can Windows Media Player play high-resolution audio?

Yes. Windows Media player is capable to play high resolution audio files. If your file iss not played back, you can try other players..

Do audio players have different sound quality?

It depends on the mode of playback. In bit-perfect mode, a music player app just transports audio data from a sound file to DAC without audio processing.

When audio player software process audio data (resample, alter bit depth, apply dithering, EQ, etc.), it causes different distortion levels. If consider psychoacoustics, distortions may have a different character, which also impacts the final perception of the distortions. Also, the interaction of the distortions with a playback system (DAC, amplifier, speakers) is matter.

EXAMPLE

Some apparatus can cause the audible level of intermodulation distortions, that generated by ultrasound components.

Practically it can cause audible noise.

You can:

• try low sample rate 44.1 kHz, or
• apply ultrasound cut in hi-res audio file.

General recommendation:

• Do a sound check of different players in various modes and audio resolutions on your music equipment. Read details..

Does hi-res audio sound better? Is hi-res audio better than CD?

Hi res audio allowing solve some issues of analog filters of ADC or DAC. But actual result is matter of implementation of an audio equipment and software. Read definitive guide..

Read more:

What is the best music player for Windows 10?

As rule, it's personal choise.

• Read common rules how to choose the best audio player..
• Try and choose own player..

Where can I buy high resolution music?

See list of sites with high-resolution audio..

Does memory playback improve audio quality?

Memory playback doesn't improve 'transparency'. But the mode can get rid of pauses if file played from slow/overload network or album player in gapless mode.

Do gapless playback is helpful?

If an audio player re-initialize DAC, it can cause quiet clicks.

When files played back without re-initializing, there is no kind of clicks.

Do computer digital hardware interface (HDMI, USB, SPDIF, etc.), its cables impact sound quality?

Digital audio interfaces don't impact sound quality, which may be defined as 'sound transparency'.

Also, digital interfaces have sample rate and bit depth limitations.

Operating system built-in driver can additionally process sound and impact to sound quality.

But pauses, clicks, serial interruptions are possible when an audio interface doesn't work properly (poor cables, grounding, shielding; hardware issues, etc.).

General recommendations:

• Buy thick cables in the mid or higher price range. It is fairly for longer cables especially.
• Ferrite rings/barrels can give some advantages. But it's recommended, that measurement tools are used.

Read more:

Do analog audio cables impact to sound quality?

Analog inter-module cables (linear inputs and outputs) can impact the noise floor, crosstalk and frequency response.

General recommendation:

• If you hear the hum at 50 Hz or multiple frequencies (power high voltage network), try to use other analog cables or use digital inter-module connection instead.

Is jitter a real issue for audio playback?

DAC clock source can impact to analog output jitter of a digital-to-analog converter . But all other factors, including memory playback, cables and interfaces - no. Read details..

General recommendations:

• Don't bother about jitter, when DAC is clocked by its internal source.
• Don't use synchronization by SPDIF digital audio input.

What is the best audio format for sound quality?

To achieve maximal sound quality, lossless audio file formats are recommended: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSF, DFF, SACD ISO. Read details..

What is 24 bit / 192 kHz audio?

It is resolution audio with sample rate 192 kHz and bit depth 24 bit in PCM format (modulation). Read details..

Is WAV better than FLAC?

In audio resolution 384 kHz/32 bit and lesser, there is no difference between FLAC and WAV by the sound quality. Unity 2019.3 patch. Watch video..

If you need a higher resolution, WAV can provide it. When file size is more 4 GB, WAV RF64 format may be applied.

Read details about:

• WAV;
• FLAC.

Is DSD better than FLAC?

Both DSD and FLAC are high-resolution formats, that try solve issues of 44.1 kHz / 16 bit. But, actual result depend on implemengtation of your audio system. Read details..

Is MQA better than FLAC?

MQA is high qualitative lossy format, as the author know. FLAC is lossless format, providing output sound quality absolutely identical source. MQA provides better file-size comression ratio. Read details..

Can VLC play hi-res audio?

Yes, VLC can play hi-res audio. However, as the author know, VLC don't support DSD formats.

October 10, 2020 updated | since December 7, 2018

Are you fond of listening to music? Here are the pros and cons for 10 best music players for Windows users. Some of them play videos, but all play audio files. Check this list and decide which music player you should stick to.

SEE ALSO: 10 Free Audio Tools Everyone Should Try
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Music Players for Android and iPhone

Freemake Music Box

Freemake Music Box is a free software developed by Freemake Assets Corporation. Originally Freemake Music Box played only online music from YouTube. However, now the software supports offline files from your PC.

Pros:
Freemake Music Box is easy to use and lets you manage your music library easily. It is free and many people adore it for its intelligent music search capabilities. The software features a very crisp visual interface and video watching function. The main feature of Freemake Music Box is the ability to play both offline and play online music. If the software can’t find a track on your PC, it’ll stream it from the Web. Freemake Music Box also lets create and import playlists in most popular formats: M3U, M3U8, ASX, TPL, KPL, WPL, AIMPPL, PLC, PLS, RLC, ZPL, XSPT, SMI.

Cons:
The interface is not very full and looks a little too empty when compared to others. The software doesn’t have an equalizer option, neither it supports music CDs. Moreover, if you like changing skins of your music player, Freemake Music Box is not your choice.

Supported formats:MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG, M4A, APE, AIFF, M4B, MP2, MP1, MPC, M4R, SPX.

Download free Freemake Music Box.

Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a standard audio and video player that is installed by default on every Windows based PC including the latest Windows 10.

Pros:
It plays the most common video files except for FLV, so you will need to convert FLV to some other format. It has a loop and shuffle function, and your playlist is only limited by the number of tracks you have on your PC. It allows you to store a large library and update its information off the net with data from music producers and top US writers. Moreover, Windows Media Player lets burn and rip audio disk to WAV, MP3 and WMA formats for further use on portable gadgets.

Cons:
Its shuffle function has a habit of playing the same songs during the same session and if you add too many to the playlist, more likely Windows Media Player won’t play them all. If you update your library manually, the software sometimes mixes up the information when it plays in your playlist.

Supported formats: MP3, WMA, CD, WAV, AIFF, MP2, MIDI, ASF.

Download free Windows Media Player.

SEE ALSO: 12 Effective Free and Paid Ways of Compressing Any Audio File [TEST RESULTS]

Groove Music Player

Groove music is a default audio player of Windows 10. With its subscription based service, it has become pretty popular among users. It’s available on iOS, Android, Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile and Xbox One.

Audio Player For Mac Os X

Pros: Groove Music doesn’t require any tech knowledge. It’s easy to add tracks and manage your music library. If you choose to use Groove streaming service, you’ll get an access to over 40 million tracks. The design is quite minimalistic and won’t distract your attention.

Cons: Unfortunately, Groove Music Player does not have an equalizer, so you can’t change sound output settings. Neither you can use auto playlists. Unlike Freemake Music Box, the software doesn’t allow you to export playlists.

Supported formats: MP3, FLAC, AAC, M4A, WAV, WMA, AC3, AMR.

Download Groove Music Player for free.

SEE ALSO: Best Video Player: Top 5 Windows Tools Compared

iTunes

iTunes is a standard player of Apple computers. However, there was also released Windows version for those who use iPod, iPad and iPhone but don’t have Mac.

Pros:
iTunes has a very good looking interface and allows you to easily sort and organize your music and videos. Recently iTunes has got an iCloud integration. It means that every track you have in iTunes will now show up in your music library, whether or not it has been downloaded. The mini player is now smaller and more comfortable to manage. You may customize your media library by adding a colored background for each individual album. Besides, iTunes offers you to listen to radio stations and podcasts, burn your music tracks to CD, rip audio CDs, compress audio files, create iPhone ringtones and many more.

SEE ALSO: How to Make a Podcast Yourself

Cons:
Many people find iTunes hard to use. Now, it doesn’t let you create playlists or organize your tunes by the DJ like you could with iTunes 10. Moreover, the number of supported formats is not that huge.

Supported formats: MP3, WAV, Apple Lossless, AAC, AIFF, CD.

Download free iTunes.

VLC

VLC is a well-known free audio and video player that supports a great number of media formats.

Pros:
VLC can play a lot of video files including BluRay and HD, and almost every music file type and it supports 10bit decoding. It is open source, but it is still updated on a regular occasion. In spite of the program is free, it does not have ads. VLC can stream media files from the Internet.

Cons:
The “skin” option could use some improvement and modernization. Both the library and playlist features are not up to modern standards and are beaten by the more popular and mainstream players. Some people complain that it crashes on their system, but it is not a common complaint.

Supported formats: AAC, AC3, ALAC, AMR, DTS, DV Audio, XM, FLAC, It, MACE, Mod, Monkey’s Audio, MP3, Opus, PLS, QCP, QDM2/QDMC, RealAudio, Speex, Screamtracker 3/S3M, TTA, Vorbis, WAV, WMA.

Download free VLC.

Foobar2000

Foobar2000 is one of the most popular music players adored by Windows users for its great customization and a variety of features.

Pros: Foobar2000 is a lightweight player with a clean minimalistic interface that can be easily changed with a number of skins. It can play the majority of popular audio formats and grab the missing meta-data from the Internet. The player lets you easily organize your music library and tracks any changes in a specified period of time. The software creators allow developers to add their own plugins to the app to expand its functionality. Foobar2000 also plays CD discs, HDCD, and can be used as DVD ripper for audio DVD discs.

Cons: Advanced features like skin changing and add-ons installation may seem a bit difficult for a beginner.

Supported formats: MP3, MP4, AAC, CD Audio, WMA, Vorbis, Opus, FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF, Musepack, Speex, AU, SND.

Download Foobar2000 for free.

MediaMonkey

MediaMonkey is an audio player for a serious music collector. The interface is highly customizable. It allows you to have different skins and rearrange the layout to better suit your needs.

Pros: The software has a built-in auto-DJ feature, called Party Mode, that automatically plays tracks based on set criteria. With this tool you can rip CDs, download podcasts and meta-data for your music tracks. As well as Foobar2000, MediaMonley scans your music collection and updates it when you delete the songs. One of the coolest MediaMonkey’s features is that it can sync with your iOS or Android phones.

Cons: At the first view the software may seem a little bit difficult. Besides, the whole number of features is available only in paid version for $24.95.

Supported formats: MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, M4A, MPC, APE, FLAC, VQF, WAV, and audio CDs.

Download MediaMonkey free version.

Clementine

Clementine player is an outstanding music tool famous for its support for Google Drive, Dropbox, Spotify, and Grooveshark tracks. It supports all most popular audio formats and gives an advanced music library management.

Pros: Clementine is a great choice for those who like to listen to podcasts and want to stream music from their cloud accounts. Simply sign in to your account within the software, and it’ll bring your tracks for you. Clementine also syncs with your USB devices and can add music to your phone or player. Moreover, the player gives you an Android app for remote control.

Cons: The software may use more CPU than it’s supposed too. Thus you’d better install it on a powerful PC or laptop.

Supported formats: MP3, OGG, FLAC, AAC.

Download Clementine for free.

MusicBee

MusicBee is a lightweight yet powerful music player for Windows PCs with beautiful and highly customizable interface.

Pros: The software lets you import music libraries from iTunes and Windows Media player and organize your music collection in a very simple way. MusicBee automatically fills the missing metadata of your tracks when you are connected to the Internet. Here you’ll also get a built-in ID3 tag editor to manually edit your music. One more great thing about MusicBee is numerous plugins that you may install to get more features.

Cons: Podcasts handling is rather limited and gives only a few options. Besides, the software uses quite a lot of CPU what might slow down old PCs.

Supported formats: MP3, AAC, M4A, MPC, OGG, FLAC, APE, Opus, TAK, WV, WMA and WAV, CDs.

Download free MusicBee now.

AIMP

The last but not the least is AIMP play that will be appreciated by Winamp fans for its similar design.

Pros: The player has a 18-band graphics equalizer with extra built-in sound effects. Thus you are free to increase the tempo, add an echo, pump up the bass and change other settings in the way you like. The software lets convert audio CDs to popular MP3 format to listen to on iPod, iPhone, Android and MP3 players. Other than that, AIMP allows you to listen to Internet radio stations and record radio streams in different formats. Besides, you can change the interface with a set of additional skins.

Cons: There are not serious cons about AIMP. It’s powerful, easy to use and can look the way you want.

Supported formats: CD, AAC, AC3, APE, FLAC, MIDI, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA.

Download AIMP for free.

Winamp For Mac

What music player do you use? Why did you choose it?

Audio Player For Mac

If none of the tools suggested above doesn’t support a rare audio format, try to convert the file with this Free Audio Converter.

Best Free Audio Player For Mac

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Real Audio Player For Mac

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