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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
rbstehno
1,454 posts
 
Audirvana has sounded superior to iTunes for years, especially when it started reading the music instead of having iTunes do it. ITunes for the car and maybe during a flight is ok. Try doing anything hires/dsd/mqa thru iTunes, you can’t. 
‘I got rid of audirvana a couple years ago and went with Roon, far superior in the user interface and how it adds tidal title to your library. The sq of Roon was better than audirvana when I switched but I have heard rumors that the new release of audirvana might sound better than Roon. 
Also, if you want quality playback, don’t use an airport express, too many restrictions.
plb02
25 posts
 
I use JRiver Media Center.  Great playback quality via USB to a DAC, links to other DLNA based services, plays just about any format you can think of.  Relatively inexpensive licence.  JRemote can be used to drive it all from iPad or iPhone.  My Mac mini uses a wired connection which is rock solid.
mgattmch
571 posts
 
Forgot to mention, Audirvana Plus works very well with Tidal. Tidal is actually integrated into the Audirvana control screen. No plans to change here, very happy with what I have.
ljgerens
157 posts
 
We tried Audirvana a while ago and after considerable listening on my 3 systems and my wife's system, we could not tell any significant difference with iTunes. This was only with our AIFF ripped CDs streamed wirelessly. We do not use any internet music services, so I cannot comment on them. 
joscow OP
48 posts
 
Thanks to all of you for your comments and/or suggestions. Still have an excellent ear for good sounding music and will now evaluate your suggestions. Have been extremely happy with iTunes in my system where most of the music is AIFF topped CDs but the problems of the last six weeks have caused me to look for an alternative. I will certainly evaluate Audirvana after receiving so many recommendations of it. Thanks again.
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