Suggestions for computer media player?

[jcisbig]

Hey All,

Currently, I use iTunes on my computer to stream audio via optical to my home theater system. I enjoy iTunes a lot because I'm used to it, and it's simple.

However, like a lot of people here, I have a high interest in audio quality. Currently, I rip my CDs to .wav for use in iTunes, but .wav doesn't store any meta data for the audio file.

What other players are out there that are:
- Free
- Will play .flac files
- Are simple to use and have a good user interface and options
- Allow you to create playlists, smart lists, etc.
- Rate songs

Thanks!

 

[Grador]

If you currently use and like itunes, why not go for apple lossless?

 

[slipperybidness]

Hey All,

Currently, I use iTunes on my computer to stream audio via optical to my home theater system. I enjoy iTunes a lot because I'm used to it, and it's simple.

However, like a lot of people here, I have a high interest in audio quality. Currently, I rip my CDs to .wav for use in iTunes, but .wav doesn't store any meta data for the audio file.

What other players are out there that are:
- Free
- Will play .flac files
- Are simple to use and have a good user interface and options
- Allow you to create playlists, smart lists, etc.
- Rate songs

Thanks!

Foobar2000

 

[its phillip]

foobar is my choice

 

[jcisbig]

Where do you guys get good skins for foobar? It's a little bleak in the stock offering.

 

[jp_over]

We've been using this for a year or so: MediaMonkey » Free Media Jukebox, Music Manager, CD Ripper & Converter

 

[afterlife2]

Love this player: JetVideo Basic VX - CNET Download.com

 

[jcisbig]

Quick question regarding file type and bitrate. WAV always rips my files into 1411 kbps files. I just tried Apple Lossless and it ripped inconsistently, but in the 700-800 kbps range? Is the kbps showing the bit rate post-compression and pre-uncompression for the ALAC files? I'm confused...

 

[Grador]

Quick question regarding file type and bitrate. WAV always rips my files into 1411 kbps files. I just tried Apple Lossless and it ripped inconsistently, but in the 700-800 kbps range? Is the kbps showing the bit rate post-compression and pre-uncompression for the ALAC files? I'm confused...

That would be for compressed files. They will be inconsistent as some music will compress more than others.

 

[cpp]

So many:

Amarra (mac)
JRiver
iTunes,
Pure Music, (mac)
Audirvana, (mac)
Fidelia, (mac)
BitPerfect ( For iTunes)
foobar2000

 

[connieflyer]

Another vote for JRiver, I switched from media player to Media Monkey and now us JRiver, so far it is very complete and the features are many and varied. I think now after 6 months I will be staying with this.