31 Free Hi Res Audio Players [Windows Mac Linux Android iOS 2023]

 

 

• High-resolution audio player software
  • Audio players Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Audio players Android and iOS (mobile applications)
  • Online audio players (hi-resolution streaming services)
  • Online audio players (streaming services)
• Digital Audio Players devices (DAP)
• What is the best hi-res audio player software
• Which media player has the best sound quality?
  • Playback modes
  • Gapless playback
  • Memory playback
  • ASIO
  • WASAPI
  • Native DSD
  • DSD to PCM
  • Functionality
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

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 the listed products. We guarantee nothing. If you found a wrong information, contact us, please. To get exact information, contact the software developers and/or vendors.
Supported sample rate and bit depth may depend on a file format.

 

Audio players Windows, Mac, Linux

 

1. AIMP
   Windows
   Free
   CDA, AAC, ac3, APE, DTS, FLAC, m4a, ogg, mp3, WAV, WMA, WavPack, DSF, DFF, other, web radio
   DirectSound, ASIO, WASAPI
2. Album Player
   Windows
   Free
   WAV, FLAC, APE, WavPack, ALAC, AIFF, TAK, MP3, MP4, OGG, CD, DSD, DVD-A, others
   ASIO, Kernel Streaming, WASAPI
3. Amarok
   Linux, Unix, Windows, Mac
   Free
4. Amarra Luxe
   Windows, Mac
   Commercial
   DSF, mp3, AAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, streaming service, others
   DSD to PCM
5. Audiogate
   Software audio player. DAC limitation for the software activation.
   Windows, Mac
   DSF, DFF, WAV, FLAC, BWF, WMA, ALAC, mp3, others
   up to DSD128
6. Audirvana
   Mac, Windows 11, 10
   Commercial
   DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WavPack, APE, MQA, streaming service, others
   DoP, DSD to PCM
7. Audacious
   Linux, BSD, Windows
   Free
8. Channel-D Pure Music
   This player has capability of gapless and memory playback.
   Mac
   Commercial
   up to 384 kHz / 24 bit, up to DSD128
   DSD to PCM, DoP, streaming
9. Daphile
   Music server that for stereo-only playback. This audio player is run as firmware (Linux based) from flash stick memory.
   Free
   DSF, PCM
   up to 384 kHz / 24 bit, up to DSD512
10. Foobar2000
    Audio player software that is DSD-capable with sacd input plugin. Mac version may has some limitations.
    Windows, Mac
    Free
    DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO, FLAC, WAV, mp3, ALAC, WavPack, AAC, other
    up to DSD512
    ASIO, DSD to PCM
11. Fostex Audio Player
    This software requires certain playback hardware. Windows, Mac
    Free
    DSF, DFF, WAV, FLAC, mp3, AIFF, ALAC
    up to DSD128, up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
    ASIO, DoP
12. Gom Audio
    Windows
    Free
    cda, MPL, mp3, ogg, WMA, APE, FLAC, WAV, m4a, WavPack, AIFF, DSF, DFF
13. iTunes
    Mac, Windows
    Free
    WAV, ALAC, AAC, mp3, AIFF, CD-audio
14. JRiver
    audio playback software with gapless playback ability. Windows, Mac, Linux
    Commercial
    DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO, mp3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, others
    ASIO, DoP, DSD over DLNA, DSD to PCM, PCM to DSD
15. Hi-Res Audio Player
    This music player requires certain hardware Windows
    DSD, PCM
16. HQ Player
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    Commercial
    DSF, DFF (non-compressed DSDIFF), CD-audio, FLAC, AIFF, others
    up to DSD1024
    DSD to PCM, PCM to DSD, ASIO, DoP
17. Hysolid
    To work on music server PC with smartphone app control
    Windows
    Free
    DSF, WAV, FLAC
    up to DSD256, up to 384 kHz
    ASIO, DoP WASAPI
18. Logitech Media Server
    Additional hardware is needed. Pre-conversion DSD files to PCM DoP files is required. How to adjust and use the software.
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    PCM, DoP PCM files
    Bit-perfect PCM output of DoP
19. Media Player Classic
    Windows
    Free
    PCM, DSF, DFF
20. MusicBee
    Windows
    Free
    ASIO, WASAPI
21. moOde audio player
    The software the intended to run on Raspberry Pi. Here information about DSD settings.
    Free
22. Pine Player
    Mac
    Free
    mp3, FLAC, APE, AAC, m4a, WAV, AIFF, ogg, WMA, DSD, SACD ISO, others
    up to 768 kHz / 32 bit
23. Pure Asio Player
    Music desktop player designed for ASIO drivers.
    Windows 11, 10
    Donateware
    WAV, FLAC, DSF
    ASIO
24. Resonic Player
    Windows
    Free, Commercial
    WAV, AIFF, FLAC, WMA, mp3, ALAC, WavPack, MID, DSF, DFF, others
    up to DSD512
25. Roon
    The server may be installed on network area storage (NAS)
    Windows, Mac
    the server on Windows, Mac, Linux
    Commercial
    Audio files, MQA, streaming service
    Bit-perfect, DSD to PCM
26. TEAC HR Audio Player
    Windows, Mac
    Free
    DSF, DFF, PCM
    up to DSD512, up to 768 kHz / 32 bit
    ASIO, DoP
27. Technics Audio Player
    Audio player software for music files. Read the software license agreement about using limitations. Windows, Mac
    DSF, DFF, WAV, FLAC, mp3, ALAC, AIFF
    up to DSD128, up to 384 kHz / 32 bit
    USB driver
28. Volumio
    Open source music server that run as firmware from flash stick memory on PC, Raspberry Pi, other
    Free
    MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC, DSD
    UPNP \ DLNA, Airplay, DoP
29. VLC
    Windows, Mac, Linux, others
    Free
    mp3, AAC, MLP / TrueHD, DTS, WMA, FLAC (including uncompressed), ALAC, ATRAC 3, WavPack, APE, WAV, others
30. Vox
    Mac, Windows (experimental)
    Free
    DSF, WAV, AIFF, FLAC (including uncompressed), ALAC, mp3, other, network radio
31. XMMS
    Unix
    Free
32. Wtfplay
    Linux
    Free
    WAV, FLAC, DSF
    up to DSD128; DSD256, DSD512 are experimental, up to 384 kHz / 32 bit
    DoP

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio players Android and iOS (mobile applications)

 

1. AIMP
   
   Android
   Free
   APE, mp3, WAV, ogg, AAC, FLAC, mp4, m4a, WavPack, DSF, DFF, others
2. Amarra Play
   
   No DSD. Amarra Luxe unlocks some features. Amarra Play must be running on the same wireless network as the computer.
   iOS
   Free, In-App Purchases
   AIFF, AIFC, MP3, ALAC, FLAC, MQA
   MQA Decode up to 96 kHz with Amarra Luxe license
3. FiiO Music
   
   This audio player software supports HWA (LHDC) Bluetooth transmission.
   Android, iOS
   Free
   DSD, PCM
   up to 384 kHz / 24 bit, raw DSD output
4. Foobar2000
   
   Audio player version for mobilr phones with gapless playback, playback / downloading music from UPnP media servers Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad)
   Free
   MP3, MP4, AAC, Vorbis, Opus, FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF, Musepack
5. HibyMusic
   
   Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad)
   Free
   DSF, DFF (including DST), ISO, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, AAC, mp3, ogg
   DXD/DoP
6. Hi-Res music player-NePLAYER
   
   Sound player software. Check out DSD replay issues at the online store page. iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch)
   Commercial
   ALAC, FLAC, WAV, mp3, AAC, HE-AAC, DSF, DFF
   up to DSD256, up to 384 kHz / 32 bit
   DSD to PCM, DoP
7. HYSOLID
   
   Music server's control application.
   Android, iOS
   Free
   WAC, FLAC, DSD
   up to DSD256, up to 384 kHz
   ASIO, WASAPI, DoP, native DSD
8. Neutron Music Player
   
   There is evaluation version "Neutron Music Player (Eval)" on Android
   Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows
   Commercial
   mp3, ogg, FLAC, AC3, AAC, M4A, MP4, 3GP, 3G2, ALAC, APE, WavPack, WAV, AIFF, other, DSD
   UPnP / DLNA, USB DAC, DoP, native DSD, DSD to PCM
9. Onkyo HF Player
   
   Audio player software for mobile platforms. Some limitations of the free version. Sample rate depends on the format and In-App purchases.
   Android, iOS
   Free, In-App Purchases
   DSF, DFF, mp3, ALAC, AAC, WAV, AIFF
   up to DSD256, up to 384 kHz
   AOA 2.0, DoP, DSD to PCM
10. TEAC HR Audio Player
    
    Android, iOS
    Free, In-App Purchases
    FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, ogg, DSF, DFF
    up to DSD256, up to 384 kHz
    DoP, DSD to PCM
11. USB Audio Player PRO
    
    Android
    Commercial
    WAV, FLAC, ogg, mp3, AIFF, AAC, m4a, APE, DFF, DSF, others
    up to 384 kHz / 32 bit
    DoP, DSD to PCM, native DSD playback
12. VLC
    
    Android, iOS (iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch)
    Free
    ogg, FLAC, WavPack, AAC, others
13. Vox
    
    iOS
    Free, In-App Purchases
    FLAC, ALAC, mp3, DSD, others

 

Online audio players (hi-resolution streaming services)

 

1. High Res Audio
   Free trial, Commercial
   up to 24 bit
2. Primephonic
   Free trial, Commercial
   up to 24 bit
3. PrimeSeat
   [unavailable]
   Free trial, Commercial
   PCM, DSD up to 11.2 MHz
4. Qobuz
   streaming and downloads according to purchased plan are available. Free trial, Commercial
   up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
5. Tidal
   This online streaming service is supported with audio players (details).
   PC/Mac, web-player, iOS, Android
   Free trial, Commercial
   FLAC 44.1 kHz / 16 bit, MQA

 

Online audio players (streaming services)

 

1. Amazon Prime Music
   The service allows listening online and offline
   Free trial
2. Apple Music
   Music platform.
   Free trial
3. Datpiff
   Audio platform for musicians and music discovering.
4. Google Play Music
   Music platform with the store. Offline listening is available.
   Free trial
5. Jamendo Music
   Audio platform for musicians and music discovering. Free and paid stuff.
   Free trial
6. Noisetrade
   Audio platform for musicians and music discovering.
7. ReverbNation
   Audio platform for musicians and music discovering
8. SoundCloud
   Audio platform for musicians and music discovering
9. Spotify
   Music platform
10. Яндекс Музыка
    Music site "Yandex Music". Offline listening is available
    Free, Commercial

 

 

 

 

Digital Audio Players (DAP) portable devices

Digital Audio Player	File Formats	Resolution	Builtin / External Memory	Bluetooth	Playback time	Remark
Astell & Kern SP1000T	DFF DSF WAV FLAC WMA MP3 OGG APE AAC ALAC AIFF MQA	up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz	256 GB / up to 1 TB		up to 12 hours	SNR 120 ... 122 dB, WiFi 2.4 GHz
Astell & Kern SP2000T	DSF DFF WAV FLAC WMA MP3 OGG APE AAC ALAC AIFF MQA	up to native DSD512, up to 32bit 384kHz	256 GB / up to 1 TB	v 5.0 A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC [?]	up to 9 hours	SNR 121 ... 123 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
Cowon Plenue D3	DSF DFF SACD-ISO FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG DCF mp3 CUE	up to DSD128, 32 bit 192 kHz	64 / up to 128 GB	v 3.0 A2DP AVRCP / SBC aptX [?]	up to 45 hours	SNR 126 ... 131 dB
Cowon Plenue R2	DSF DFF SACD-ISO DXD FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG WV TTA DCF mp3 CUE	up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz	128 GB / ?	v 3.0 A2DP AVRCP / SBC aptX [?]	up to 20 hours	SNR 130 ... 136 dB
Cowon Plenue L	DSF DFF SACD-ISO DXD FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG WV TTA DCF mp3 CUE	up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz	256 / up to 256 GB		up to 9 hours	SNR 125 ... 128 dB
iBasso DX240	DFF DSF DXD MQA APE FLAC WAV WMA AAC ALAC AIFF OGG MP3	up to native DSD512,up to 32bit 768kHz	64 GB / up to 2 TB	v 5.0	approximate 11 hours	SNR 125 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
iBasso DX320	DFF DSF DXD MQA APE FLAC WAV WMA AAC ALAC AIFF OGG MP3	up to native DSD512,up to 32bit 768kHz	128 GB / SDXC and SDHC Micro SD	v 5.0	approximate 10 hours	Dual battery power structure, SNR 125 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
FiiO M11 Plus	DSD DST-ISO DXD APE ALAC FLAC WAV WMA mp3 OGG AAC	up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz	64 GB / up to 2 TB	v 5.0 SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC [?]	up to 14 hours	SNR ≥121 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
FiiO M17	DSD DST-ISO DXD APE ALAC FLAC WAV WMA mp3 OGG AAC	up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz external USB DAC: up to DSD512, up to 32bit 768kHz	64 GB / theoretically up to 2TB	v 5.0 SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC [?]	up to 10 hours	SNR ≥121 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
Sony NW-A105	DSF DFF MP3 WMA FLAC WAV AAC HE-AAC ALAC AIFF APE MQA	up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz	? / Micro SD Micro SDHC Micro SDXC	v 5.0	up to 26 hours	WiFi
Sony NW-WM1A	DSD MP3 WMA AAC HE-AAC FLAC ALAC AIFF	native DSD, DSD to PCM, up to 32bit 384kHz	128 GB / Micro SD	aptX HD after firmware update [?]	up to 30 hours

 

Read more:

• FREE Hi Resolution audio converters >
• FREE DSD music downloads >
• About DACs >

 

 

What is the best audio player software?

Which high-resolution audio player has the best sound quality is your personal choice rather. Some music players are capable of playback sound files without altering binary content (bit-perfect). In general, you don't care, that player is used, but some nuances are there. How to make the choice is discussed below.

 

Which media player has the best sound quality?

Playback modes

An audio player may work in 2 base modes (depending on the software's abilities):

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

In bit-perfect mode, the sound quality is determined by DAC and the next audio devices.
This mode consumes minimum computing resources. It is desirable for computers with low computing power.

Processing's sound quality depends on the player and/or processing plug-in.
Higher-quality processing may consume more computing resources, and, sometimes, can't work on lower-performance computers.

more quality = more resources

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 Gapless playback.
It may be applied for as bit-perfect as processed modes (see "Playback modes").

Also played audio files back 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 sense, when the audio player works in gapless mode.

 

Memory playback

Some players support so-called memory playback. Audio files (or album) is loaded from hard disk to RAM and delivered to DAC faster than from the disk. At old computers, it can improve to some extent smoothness of transient to the next track. We should bear in mind here that the feature may not be required on modern disks, solid state especially.

 

ASIO

ASIO is a kind of audio driver by audio interface vendors, that provides low latency and uses 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 a universal ASIO-driver ASIO4All. But, as rule, DAC-vendor driver is more recommended.

The latest MacOS versions use their built-in drivers (Core Audio) instead ASIO. So, you do not need special drivers to work 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 a built-in Windows driver to direct access to an audio interface without operating system processing. 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 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 not have enough computing power for real-time DSD to PCM conversion. It may be solved via offline DSD to PCM conversion. Also, it saves free space on hard disk (HDD) of an audio player. It allows putting more songs on the disk. It may be very useful for portable/mobile devices.

Read more:

• {SACD} ISO to PCM (.flac, .wav, .aiff, .mp3, etc) >
• DSF/DFF (DSD files) to PCM (.flac, .wav, .aiff, .mp3, others) >

 

 

Functionality

The widespread demands to players are:

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

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

F.A.Q. play audio

 

 

How can I play high resolution audio on my computer?

To play high-resolution audio (music files) on your computer you can use player software...

 

Do audio players have different sound quality?

When you begin listen to computer audio, you are interesting which the music player software bring the best sound quality under Windows 10/11 or Mac.

The program sound quality 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 considering 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 a matter.

In general, playback with minimum processing or without it is recommended.

 

 

 

General recommendation:

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

 

How can I listen to hi-res audio on my computer?

You can listen to hi-res audio on your computer with built-in playback software.

You can also install other players...

 

What is the best music player audiophile?

An audiophile music player should provide hi-fi sound quality (low distortions). In instance, in bit-perfect mode, an audio player doesn't process sound-file content and delivery it directly into a DAC.

Read also: How to improve sound quality...

 

Gapless playback is needed for playback albums like operas, live concerts, etc.

Memory playback necessity is disputable due to given computer performance.

 

Read more...

 

How can I listen to high quality music on my computer?

To listen to high-quality music on computer, you are need to install audio player software on the computer.

See more...

 

What supports hi-res audio?

Hi-res audio is supported by:

• mobile phones;
• Digital Audio Players (DAP);
• car stereo;
• computers.

 

How can I play hi-res music on my computer?

To play music on your computer, you can use music player software...

 

How do I play lossless music on my computer?

You can play lossless music on your computer with audio player

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q. Windows play audio

 

Does Windows 10 and 11 support hi-res audio?

Yes. Windows supports high-resolution audio and can play it.

Audio player software is connected to digital-to-analog converter via driver. It is program player connection to DAC.

There are 3 options of audio driver software:

• native;
• ASIO;
• WASAPI.

DSD is played back natively via AISO drivers, that are provided with a DSD DAC.

Read details...

 

What is the best FLAC player for Windows 10?

What is the best player is a matter of personal choice. In the bit-perfect mode all players should playback with same sound quality.

If audio processing is applied, player sound may be different. The author recommends comparing different players to verify them personally...

 

What is the best music player for Windows 10?

As rule, it's a personal choice. You can read opinions of other people. But, if you want the best music player just for you:

• Read common recommendations how to choose the best audio player...
• Try demo and free players and choose your own player...

 

What the best hi-res audio player for Windows?

To find the best for you audio player, the author recommends to listen to free demo versions of the players or free ones to choose the best software for you...

Sound quality of the music player depends on multiple factors.

 

Which Windows music player has the best sound quality?

The best sound quality is a playback unprocessed audio file (bit-perfect mode). However, changing if sample rate and bit depth may open audio-quality abilities of your DAC. The processing may be done inside the player or before playing file back with audio conversion software.

Most of audio players (see list) have free or demo versions and you can try them before buying.

Read more...

 

Can PC play hi-res audio?

PC is capable to play hi-res audio with sound card that provides sampling rates and bit depths above 48 kHz and 16 bit, respectively.

See to PC audio player software list...

 

Can Windows play FLAC files?

Windows can play FLAC files via player software...

 

Can Windows 10 play DSD?

Windows 10 is capable to play DSD with audio player software...

Alternatively, you can convert DSD files to PCM ones...

 

How can I listen to hi-res lossless?

You can listen to hi-res lossless music via digital audio player device. For computer and mobile phone, you can use player software...

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q. sound quality

 

 

Does hi-res audio sound better?

When we purchase audio files, we are interesting does hi-res audio sound better than CD or not?

Hi res audio allows solving some issues of analog filters on CD's sample rate for ADC and DAC. But actual result is a matter of implementation of audio equipment and software. Read the definitive guide...

Read more:

• DSD (issues and myths) >
• PCM (issues and myths) >

 

Is 24bit audio worth it?

In general, 24-bit is recommended for playback at home audio. It may solve some issues of 16-bit resolution. However, 24-bit doesn't guarantee better sound than 16-bit.

Read more...

 

Does playback memory improve audio quality?

Playback memory doesn't improve "transparency". But the mode can get rid of pauses if:

• file is played from slow/overload network or
• album player works 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.

 

What is the best FLAC player?

Player causes no distortions in the bit-perfect mode. If the player applies gain control, some distortions may be there.

FLAC decoding, as rule, implemented via standard library. Thus, for FLAC no difference from player to player.

If resampling or other processsing is appllied, player difference is the same other lossless format.

If you are need the best result, download a player or its demo version and check sound.

 

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:

• Power conditioning - issues and myths >
• Jitter audio - issues and myths >
• Loudspeakers and acoustic cables - issues and myths >

 

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 320kbps good sound quality?

Lossy audio formats, that works on 320-kbps bitrate, provides good sound quality. As rule, it's very similar to lossless music. 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. 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 CD quality 16 or 24 bit?

CD quality means 16 bit / 44.1 kHz. Read about high resolution audio...

 

What is the best format for audio quality?

Lossless formats (WAV, FLAC, DSF, AIFF. ALAC, etc.) keep full sound qulity of their sources.

Higher sampling rates and bit depths cause lesser distortions than lesser ones, theoretically.
Practically, there is not the direct dependency. Your musical equipment can make difference.

Read more what the best audio formats...

 

Is FLAC or WAV better?

Both FLAC and WAV are the identical by their lossless sound quality. However, there are some discussion...

 

Is FLAC better than MP3?

FLAC is lossless format. mp3 is lossy one. FLAC is better mp3 technically. On high mp3-bitrates at 16 bit / 44.1 kHz, difference may be subtle.

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Is FLAC the best audio format?

FLAC is audiophile lossless format. However, it has alternatives in excess of it.

Read details...

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q. hi-res music downloads

 

Where can I buy high resolution music?

See list of sites with high-resolution audio...

 

Where can I get hi-res audio for free?

Look at free high-res audio downloads:

• music samples (FLAC, DSF)...
• website list...

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q. MQA

 

How do I play an MQA file?

You can play MQA files on an audio player that is MQA compatible.

 

How do I listen to MQA on Tidal?

You can listen to MQA on Tidal. How to do it...

 

What is passthrough MQA on Tidal?

You can listen to MQA by Tidal on MQA DAC. "Passthrough MQA" turn off software MQA decoding to do it into the DAC.

 

Is MQA better than FLAC? Is FLAC better than MQA?

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...

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q. players

 

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...

 

Can Windows Media Player play MQA?

Windows Media Player can play MQA files in compability mode without full decoding.

 

Can Windows Media Player play hi-res?

Windows Media Player can play hi-res audio files.

 

Can VLC play hi-res audio?

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

 

Does VLC play hi-res audio?

VLC is capable to play hi-res audio.

 

Can VLC play lossless?

VLC is capable to play lossless files. In instance, FLAC.

 

Does Vox work on Windows?

At moment of the answer writting, Vox provides experimental version for Windows...

 

Is Hysolid free?

At moment of the answer writting, Hysolid is free audio player.

 

Is Groove Music any good?

It's personal taste matter. Groove Music may cover your requirements. But, the author would recommend comparing it with alternative software...