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Alternatives Software for iTunes on Mac

Been an iTunes user since its inception and quite satisfied with it with its overall sound quality in my system. Recently I have encountered some significant problems and have decided to look for an alternative to it. Have a large collection of music on a separate external hard drive in AIFF files, 2500 CDs or albums. Currently uses Apple airport express to wireless play music from my computer through a Rotes Integrated Amp and Monitor Audio Gold 100 speakers.  I am looking for a high quality software to replace iTunes. I must to able to easy transfer existing files to the new software. Any suggestion would be appreciated.
joscow

Showing 3 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
@joscow  What do you mean by "high quality"?  When you send music over wireless you really send data.  No matter what program you use it is still the same data (no timing involved), unless program modifies it somehow (like upsampling), making data not "bit perfect".  Make sure to set playback volume at max.  Playback program can affect quality when it can affect timing (jitter) of the D/A conversion.  It can happen when you output data with S/Pdif cable.  

I also use Itunes with Airport Express.  The only complain I have is clumsy interface.  I created "Smart Playlists" for each genre (for instance: "match music for the following rule: Genre is Classical") and select playlists.  It places thumbnails for each record - about 21 on each page. Much easier to find each record.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
I forgot to mention dropouts.  I had dropouts because at lower band 2.4GHz there are only 3 independent channels (since each of 12 channels is almost 4 channels wide).  I bought dual band router, switched to 5GHz and problem is gone.  5GHz has more channels and poorly penetrates walls making it difficult for outside signals to enter home.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
@joscow  Sorry to hear that.  I have I tunes Version 12.9.5.5 running on late 2014 MacMini with Mojave Version 10.14.6 and have zero problems.  I changed library, but it was long time ago.  There is Itunes media location (Preferences => Advanced) and Library name (Preferences => General).  All my files are under folder Itunes/Itunes Music.  I have marked (Preferences => Advanced)  "Keep Itunes Media Folder Organized" and "copy Files to Itunes Media folder when adding to Library".  When I point to any folder containing music and select File - Add to Library it adds listing to named Library and copies files to "Itunes media location".  You can start new Library with new name and media location and then add any file you want.  

I had dropouts with 2.4GHz but never hanging.  How much memory you have.  Exit programs you don't need.  I hope it will help.
I went thru many versions of OS and few Macs and never had problem with Itunes.
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