What's the deal with Amarra? Software choice for recording and playback

[j20056]

I'm new to computer based audiophile, but very experienced studio recording with ProTools.

I'm finally moving from iTunes compressed to ALAC (I will re-rip my CD collection in 16/44.1 lossless), but more importantly, I want to download purchased 24/96 and 24/192 digital music, as well as ripping my SACD collection.

Now, I obviously don't plan to use iTunes for anything else than ALAC 24/44.1, therefore I must select a software for higher resolutions, both for recording and for playback.

I can't really use proTools for recording, because I use the LE version of ProTools (and associated hardware) and it only handles 24/96.

 

Question 1:

What software is recommended to record at 24/96 or 24/192? I just want to capture the Firewire coming from my DAC (probably a Weiss DAC2 haven't bought one yet). Can Amarra record?

 

Question 2: What software (if different) is recommended for playback? Currently, I have been using SongBird as it can handle all hi-resolutions.

I see that Amarra 2.0 nicely integrates into iTunes, but is that worth $695? What does Amarra do *sonically* that SongBird cannot? As long as my files are properly recorded and I don't want to alter them via EQ or anything, how could a player versus another not all generate the same *exact* stream back to my DAC?

 

Thanks