Is JRiver still the best software?


Finally got around to curing a nagging problem with my MacBook Pro (13", mid-2012) that had stalled my converting it into a music server.  Looked back into the advice I got here several years ago on the matter, and JRiver was the top recommendation.  Is that still the case today?  I'm running OS X Catalina on a fresh install and will be feeding a McIntosh C50 that accepts up to 32 bit, 192 kHz PCM input.

Thanks in advance for the benefit of your wisdom!
effischer

Showing 1 response by auxinput

FWIW, the C50 DAC doesn’t upconvert, just automatically adjusts to incoming bit depth and frequency.

I'm sure others have different opinions, but I never like up-converting Redbook CD or lower bit rates to something higher.  It is a DSP process that attempts to put additional time slices in between the 44.1kz sampling data.  It may create a "smoother" sound, but it's artificial and I find that I like listening to the original 16/44.1 sampling better.  It has more impact because the timing is closer to the truth of how the waveforms are presented rather than a theoretical conversion to a higher sampling rate.