Hi-Res Audio Player, Lossless Audio Converter and Tools
Hi-Res audio players & media servers for lossless reproduction, CD- & DVD-grabbers for ripping digital music collections, audio tools and software to tag, record and convert, as well as other useful software is listed here.
- AP Linux
A free Audiophile Linux operating system, dedicated to bit perfect RT digital audio playback.
- Rune Audio
Based on an optimized version of Arch Linux and MPD, Rune Audio offers a complete, free and open source solution incl. mobile remote-interface, to turn an embedded platform (e.g. Raspberry Pi) in a bit-accurate HiFi music player.
- MPD
The Music Player Daemon (MPD) - basis for bit-accurate audio playback.
- Ario
GTK2 client for the Music Player Daemon (MPD) - very good features, excellent interface.
- Sonata
GTK+ client for MPD - small, light and easy to setup.
- Xfmpc
Very good MPD-Client for the desktop Xfc.
- foobar2000
Versatile but rudimentary player & server which can be used both for building puristic bit accurate high-end music servers as well as widely available components in all possible formats for playback of different formats, as streaming server, for ripping CDs, etc. With tools such as MonkeyMote this is also great for remote control with cell phones and tablet PCs (freeware).
- JRiver Media Center
Does more than just play music. Very powerful tool with a great user interface. Automatic sample rate adjustment, memory play, gapless, etc. Remote control with mobile devices (not free but there is full-feature 30-day trial version).
- Stealth Audio Player
Minimalist player with great reputation. However, if you insist on remote control, go pick one of those mentioned above. (freeware)
- GMPC for Win32
Adaptation of the Linux Client for Win32-based systems
- VOX
This is your choice for OS X Yosemity (OS X 10.10) or better. Easy to setup and easy to use with a nice frontend.
- EAC (Exact Audio Copy)
Very reliable and versatile software for ripping CDs. Multi-reading of FLAC and WAV files, bit rate variably adjustable (note that you should always rip at the original bandwidth/sampling rate). (freeware)
- fre:ac
Numerous conversion options for almost all lossless formats. Tagging functions and also supports the CDDB/freedb database (freeware)
- dBpoweramp
First-rate CD grabber with tagging function and lots more. (payware)
- DVD Audio Extractor
Converts DVDs to uncompressed Wave (PCM) and FLAC format. (payware)
- Room Eigenmodes-Calculator
Even when it's often neglected: The most important element in your hi-fi setup is the room, which is often a real pain with room modes, reverb, and flutter echoes. The last two are easily taken care of. However, room modes, especially the basses, can be deadly for a well-balanced sound. This calculator lets you easily detect the sneaky villains and allows you to take well-directed measures against them.