2. pc-audio
  3. 136821-74445

Do Macs Play FLAC?

My my understanding was always that they could not play FLAC encoded files.  I just installed a Synology NAS.  I have a Bluesound Vault 2 with about 300 CDs that were ripped in FLAC and was able to transfer the contents of the Vault 2 to the NAS.  These show up as FLAC files in the NAS index.  To my surprise, they play on my MAcAir, purchased in in 2013, via usb into a Bryston DAC3.  I had assumed I would need a music playing program to make these files playable on the Mac.  I have no FLAC converting software loaded onto the Mac
mahler123
mahler123 OP
3,409 posts
 
Ripped another disc in FLAC and it plays on the Mac
@25105 are you trying to play from a NAS?
a25105
133 posts
 
I have the FLAC files in a folder on my mac mini and they play fine by pressing the spacebar.  What I want to do is import them into iTunes and play them from my library.  Thx.
mahler123 OP
3,409 posts
 
Oh, that’s a different issue, I was asking if the hardware was capable at all of playing FLAC.  I couldn’t merge my files into iTunes on the Mac either, although they seemlessly merge on the NAS and play back via iTunes..Have you called Apple support to inquire?
a25105
133 posts
 
it is not supported by Apple.  They want you to convert it to Apple lossless format instead of playing native format.  I thought you had some tricks to make it work in iTunes.  Thx anyway!
whocares73
16 posts
 
You may want to try Channel D, Pure Music software for your Mac. This integrates with iTunes, and allows you to play FLAC and many other formats. Also, Pure Music is said to be very good sound quality.
More here:http://www.channld.com/puremusic/
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