My experience with iTunes has been very positive. I started ripping all my CDs as either AIFF or ALAC lossless files about 8 years ago. I really can't tell any difference between the two. I have 4 systems in different rooms and I stream my ripped files wireless from either an iMac or a MacBook Pro to either an Apple TV or an Airport Express and use the optical output to a DAC. We use our iPhones or iPads as remotes. In my opinion, the SQ is as good or better than several systems I have heard with dedicated music streamers.
In 8 years of use I have never had a dropout, cutout, navigation issue, or slow loading pages with iTunes. Actually iTunes has always worked flawlessly. During that timeframe I have installed several versions of MacOS and several versions of iTunes all with no problems.
I typically do not use online music streaming services but i have had several free trials with Apple Music and Amazon Music. I found Apple Music to sound better than Amazon Music but both are fine for casual listening or background music. For serious listening they don't compare with my lossless ripped files.
In 8 years of use I have never had a dropout, cutout, navigation issue, or slow loading pages with iTunes. Actually iTunes has always worked flawlessly. During that timeframe I have installed several versions of MacOS and several versions of iTunes all with no problems.
I typically do not use online music streaming services but i have had several free trials with Apple Music and Amazon Music. I found Apple Music to sound better than Amazon Music but both are fine for casual listening or background music. For serious listening they don't compare with my lossless ripped files.