31 Free Hi Res Audio Players [Windows Mac Linux Android iOS 2024]

 

 

 

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High-resolution audio player software

High-resolution music player software for audiophiles (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, online) supports WAV, FLAC, DSD (DSF, DFF, SACD ISO, DoP), MQA, m4a, and more.

WARNING: This table may contain errors. It is not an offer or advertisement. We are not affiliated with the products listed. We do not guarantee accuracy. If you find incorrect information, please contact us. For precise information, reach out to the software developers and/or vendors.
The supported sample rate and bit depth might vary depending on the file format.

 

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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

 

 

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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

 

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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. Qobuz
   streaming and downloads according to purchased plan are available. Free trial, Commercial
   up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
4. 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

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Online audio players (streaming services)

 

 

• Amazon Prime Music
  The service allows listening online and offline
  Free trial
• Apple Music
  Music platform.
  Free trial
• Datpiff
  Audio platform for musicians and music discovering.
• Google Play Music
  Music platform with the store. Offline listening is available.
  Free trial
• Jamendo Music
  Audio platform for musicians and music discovering. Free and paid stuff.
  Free trial
• Noisetrade
  Audio platform for musicians and music discovering.
• ReverbNation
  Audio platform for musicians and music discovering
• SoundCloud
  Audio platform for musicians and music discovering
• Spotify
  Music platform
• Яндекс Музыка
  Music site "Yandex Music". Offline listening is available
  Free, Commercial

 

 

 

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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

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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.

To check how audio player works, download free music samples in resolutions:

• 24-bit/96 kHz, 192 kHz,
• DSD 64,
• DSD 128,
• DSD 256,
• DSD 512,
• DSD 1024,
• more samples.

 

 

Which media player has the best sound quality?

Understanding 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

Certain music, like operas or live recordings, is meant to flow uninterrupted, akin to a whole pie rather than slices.

Advanced players offer Gapless playback, starting the next track without needing to reinitialize the DAC. It is applicable in both bit-perfect and processed modes (refer to "Playback modes").

Audio files can also be pre-converted in gapless mode, beneficial when resampling or processing DSD files. This ensures a smooth transition between songs, maintaining the integrity of the original recording.

 

Memory playback

Leading hi-res audio players offer memory playback, where audio files are pre-loaded from storage to RAM for uninterrupted delivery to the DAC. This feature is particularly beneficial on older systems that can cause gaps between tracks. Modern solid-state drives and fast CPUs may diminish the need for this feature. But it remains a staple for audiophiles seeking the best audio player for PC.

 

ASIO

The ASIO audio driver, provided by Steinberg, is a boon for those using hi-res audio player software. It offers low latency and leverages the unique properties of your audio interface for optimal sound. While the universal ASIO4All driver is available, using the DAC software (driver) by vendor is often preferable for the best hi-res player for Windows.

MacOS users can rely on built-in Core Audio drivers, eliminating the need for ASIO. Though some vendors offer specialized Mac ASIO drivers for enhanced performance.

Explore further:

• Configuring foobar2000 for DSD playback for the ultimate audiophile music player Windows experience.

 

WASAPI

WASAPI, the native Windows audio driver, provides direct access to audio interfaces, bypassing the operating system's processing. This is ideal for those seeking an unadulterated hi-res audio player Windows 10, 11, 8, 7 experience, as it allows exclusive access to the DAC for pure sound rendering.

 

Native DSD

Experience the true essence of DSD audio with Native DSD playback, which sends the DSD stream directly to a DSD DAC without PCM conversion. ASIO drivers support this on Windows. The DSD stream must be packed in DoP format. MacOS Core Audio also requires the DSD stream to be packed in DoP format. The packing is ensuring lossless transmission for the finest hi-res music player app experience.

Read how to configure foobar2000 for DSD playback >

 

Converting DSD to PCM

For systems using a PCM DAC, DSD streams must be converted to PCM. This process is resource-intensive but necessary for compatibility. For devices with limited computing power, battery life, and storage space, offline conversion can:

• help avoid algorithm quality limitations,
• extend operating time,
• save space and allow for more songs in the storage.

It's making it a practical solution for free music players on portable devices.

Discover more:

• Converting SACD ISO to PCM for a variety of formats, enhancing your hi-res audio player for Mac and Windows.
• Transcoding DSF/DFF files to PCM, ensuring compatibility with your audio player for Mac and other devices.

 

Other features of hi-res audio players

Users typically look for the following features in hi-res audio players:

• Displaying album artwork for a visual touch.
• Showing text metadata for detailed track information.
• Database search to quickly find songs.
• Web radio and streaming for endless music playback.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

F.A.Q. Playing high-quality audio

 

 

How can I play high resolution audio on my computer?

To enjoy high-resolution audio on your computer, explore various player software options designed for superior sound.

 

Do audio players have different sound quality?

Discovering which music player software delivers the best sound quality on Windows or Mac is a journey for every audiophile. The sound quality of a program hinges on its playback mode. In bit-perfect mode, an app simply moves audio data to the DAC without alteration.

When player software processes audio data—through actions like resampling or applying dithering—it introduces varying levels of distortion. The character of these distortions, influenced by psychoacoustics, along with their interaction with your audio system, affects the overall sound quality.

Opting for minimal or no processing is generally advised for the purest sound.

General recommendation: Test various players, modes, and audio resolutions on your equipment to find the best match. Learn more...

 

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

Experience hi-res audio on your computer using built-in playback software or by installing specialized hi-res audio players. Also, high-qualitative digital-to-analog converter is recommended.

 

What is the best music player audiophile?

The ideal audiophile music player offers high-fidelity sound with minimal distortions. For instance, in bit-perfect mode, an audio player transfers the sound file content directly to a DAC without any processing.

Also, consider gapless playback for seamless album experiences and memory playback, which may enhance performance on certain systems.

Discover more...

 

What supports hi-res audio?

Hi-res audio is supported by a range of devices, including:

• Mobile phones
• Digital Audio Players (DAP)
• Car stereos
• Computers

 

How do I play lossless music on my computer?

Enjoy lossless music on your computer using a high-quality audio player.

 

F.A.Q. Play audio on Windows

 

 

Does Windows 10 and 11 support hi-res audio?

Yes, Windows 10 and 11 support hi-res audio playback through various audio drivers like native, ASIO, and WASAPI, ensuring a direct connection to your DAC.

For DSD playback, ASIO drivers provided with a DSD DAC are typically used.

Learn more...

 

What is the best FLAC player for Windows 10?

Choosing the best FLAC player is subjective. In bit-perfect mode, all players should offer the same sound quality. For audio processing, sound may vary. It's recommended to compare different players to find your preference.

 

Which Windows music player has the best sound quality?

Unprocessed audio file playback (bit-perfect mode) typically provides the best sound quality. However, altering sample rate and bit depth can enhance your DAC's audio quality. This processing can be done within the player or beforehand with audio conversion software.

Most audio players offer free or demo versions for trial. Explore the list and read more.

 

Can PC play hi-res audio?

PCs can play hi-res audio if its sound card supports sampling rates and bit depths above 48 kHz and 16 bit. Check out the PC audio player software list.

 

Can Windows play FLAC files?

Windows can play FLAC files using player software.

 

Can Windows 10 play DSD?

Windows 10 can play DSD files with DSD audio player software. Alternatively, DSD files can be converted to PCM format. Learn how at DSD to PCM conversion.

 

F.A.Q. sound quality

 

 

Does hi-res audio sound better?

Hi-res audio can offer improvements over CD quality by addressing analog filter issues. The actual benefit depends on the audio equipment and software used. For an in-depth understanding, read the definitive guide.

Discover more:

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

 

Is 24bit audio worth it?

While 24-bit audio is generally recommended for home playback, it doesn't inherently guarantee better sound than 16-bit. For more details, read about bit depth.

 

Does playback memory improve audio quality?

Playback memory doesn't necessarily enhance sound "transparency," but it can prevent pauses during playback from slow networks or when using gapless mode.

 

Do gapless playback is helpful?

Gapless playback eliminates quiet clicks that can occur if an audio player re-initializes the DAC between tracks.

 

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

Digital audio interfaces themselves do not affect sound transparency, but they have inherent sample rate and bit depth limitations. Operating system drivers may process sound and affect quality. However, issues like pauses and clicks can arise from improper functioning of audio interfaces due to poor cables or hardware issues.

General recommendations: Opt for thicker cables, especially for longer distances, and consider using ferrite rings for potential benefits.

Explore further:

• 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 cables can influence noise floor, crosstalk, and frequency response. If you experience a hum, consider switching cables or using a digital connection.

General recommendation: If you hear a hum at 50 Hz or at multiple frequencies (from the power high voltage network), try using other analog cables, or opt for a digital inter-module connection instead.

 

Is jitter a real issue for audio playback?

The DAC's clock source can affect jitter in the analog output. But other factors like memory playback, cables, and interfaces typically do not cause the distortion kind. Jitter in these cases is not a concern when the DAC uses its internal clock source. Read more...

 

What is 24 bit / 192 kHz audio?

Audio with a 192 kHz sample rate and 24 bit depth in PCM format offers high resolution for detailed sound reproduction. See details...

 

Is 320kbps good sound quality?

Audio at a 320-kbps bitrate generally provides good sound quality, comparable to lossless formats. Learn details...

 

F.A.Q. players

 

 

Can Windows Media Player play high-resolution audio?

Yes, Windows Media Player is capable of playing high-resolution audio files. If your file is not played back, you can try other players.

 

Can Windows Media Player play MQA?

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

 

Can VLC play hi-res audio?

Yes, VLC can play hi-res audio. However, it does not support DSD formats.

 

Can VLC play lossless?

VLC can play lossless files, such as FLAC.

 

Does Vox work on Windows?

As of the last update, Vox provides an version for Windows.

 

Is Hysolid free?

Yes. Hysolid is a free audio player.

 

Is Groove Music any good?

Whether Groove Music is suitable for you is a matter of personal preference. It may meet your needs, but it's recommended to compare it with alternative software.

 

• FREE Hi Resolution audio converters >
• FREE DSD music downloads >
• FREE 24-bit 96/192 kHz downloads >
• About DACs >

 

Audio Basis - articles about audio

 

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