What are the weaknesses of iTunes and what are its alternatives?

[lucretius]

4 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Note: iTunes as a product no longer exists. The app is now called Music. 

 

It still exists for Windows.

[lucretius]

28 minutes ago, pionphil said:

On another thread I made someone made this comment: 

 

What are weaknesses of iTunes/Music compared to other apps? What are the alternatives and their strengths

 

 

For the Windows version, there is no direct support for sound drivers. It uses the default Windows driver in shared mode and uses digital volume control (stealing some bits?). And as Chris said, getting bit perfect output from iTunes on Windows can be challenging. 

 

Also, iTunes can only sort on a single field, cannot analyze sound files (for dynamic range, peaks, etc.), and is generally poor for editing Library entries.

 

Roon has the most capabilities (like the ability to group different versions of an album) and I can do some editing on albums or tracks that is not included in the file tag metadata. 

 

[lucretius]

1 hour ago, pionphil said:

 Roon is $10 per month. I'm looking for a free solution. 

 

For Mac - free:

https://vox.rocks/

https://www.clementine-player.org

https://mac.eltima.com/elmediaplayer.html

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/pine-player/id1112075769?mt=12

https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

 

I don't have a Mac so I cannot attest to the above. 

 

For Android phone (free apps), I use:

• USB Audio Player Pro
• BubbleUPnP (for streaming)
• TuneIn Radio (for internet radio)

 

And for those who are interested:

 

For Windows - free:

https://www.foobar2000.org/

https://getmusicbee.com/

https://www.mediamonkey.com/

http://www.aimp.ru/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search?q=Groove+Music

https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

 

I've used many of these at one time or another but I cannot remember the details. I still use foobar2000, not as a general music player, but instead for its technical abilities.