foobar2000
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Aimp2
+Supports various formats like FLAC, etc.
+Can copy any file directly to the clipoard
+Free 100%
+Multi Tabs
+Shows more file information in the playlist
+Live search
+Easy to use -
The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso
I have tried a bunch of music players recently and they all have one thing the other is missing. I have tried WMP 12 and 11, itunes, Songbird, Winamp, Foobar2000, Mediamonkey, etc. The main things I am looking for as far as playback is the ability to organize and play my mp3s, being able to listen to low bit rate internet radio in *.pls format and look a little pretty(ex: see my album art embedded in the id3 tag). Foobar seems to do what I want but I wish it looked nicer. WMP can't play *.pls format no matter what I do. And I hate itunes. *Sigh*
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jenesuispasbavard Notebook Evangelist
Another vote for Windows Media Player, especially now that it plays practically anything (and uses your GPU while doing it).
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Try Mediamonkey. My audio player hopping stopped once I installed it. iTunes is terrible, and WMP is still too disorganised. I'm not sure about the .pls thing, though.
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I use foobar2000 with DarkOne 2.0 theme. It's rather large but it's great.
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The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso
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i use jet audio pro , has great features timer alarm and converts files quickly
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Zune player. it looks fresh.
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vlc. its quick
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Real player is a best music player for windows7 because it support all most all the files.Try it you will really enjoy.
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For simplicity - codec pack + Wndows Media Player.
Or many other free alternatives. -
Yea I ran away from Real player a long time ago..........can't even remember when. Hated those stupid real player popups that came up, I think they scarred me.
I just stick with iTunes because I'm too lazy to start looking for something else, despite all the wonderful suggestions that have been provided here. iTunes seems to work well enough and I like that it has a 64-bit version, not saying other players don't. I like the diversity of music software out there though.
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:S
I mean if iTunes was actually descent.. fine.. but no.... 6 super computers to make usable is not "works well". -
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In order to load in less than 10 seconds YES.
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Yes, and in order to scroll very smoothly through your library, and don't get me started about ejecting an iPod and even scaling the window is not even remotely close to smooth.
Oh and don't get em started with the great number of services that no one use, but if you dare to remove one of them (or almost), iTunes doesn't start anymore, ensuring that you keep their crap. -
The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso
I really want to like itunes as it would solve most of my needs, but it really stinks for me.
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So what do you use GoodBytes, and what would you recommend (if they happen to be different things)? I'd like it to sync with the iPod too. Also where do you buy your music from (assuming that's what you do)? I wouldn't mind switching iTunes, but I'd like to know something that does that "whole package" (music player, video player [not that I use that really], music/movies/audiobooks store, internet radio, podcasts, burning CDs). What I meant was that iTunes works well enough for me, but that might be because I haven't really tried other things (I agree with the sluggishness of iTunes) . Advise me on a program that works "smoothly" yet also ticks off on all the "checkpoints" I made above.
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I'm familiar with three from a decent amount of use:
WMP
Pros:
*Fairly simple, lightweight, quick startup, already installed.
*WMP 11 and prior support tag editing, which is very useful for organizing your collection and having it still be organized when you move to another PC, and you can replace WMP 12 with WMP 11 on Windows 7.
*Haven't been able to find any audio format that it won't play with the right codec, including Ogg Vorbis and FLAC. Granted, I use XP 32-bit, if ViciousXUSMC is right about 64-bit Windows 7 requiring approved codecs, you might be out of luck. Otherwise, you're in luck.
Cons:
*Not super fancy, if you like fancy-looking programs.
*Sounds like WMP 12 on Win7/Vista x64 might take away some of the really useful features that are included in WMP 10/11 on XP/Vista/7 32-bit and XP 64-bit.
Songbird
Pros:
*Good, although certainly not complete, lyric-lookup system. Definitely the #1 advantage IMO.
*I think it supports tag editing, although I don't believe its system is as complete as WMP 10/11 for this.
Cons:
*Takes longer to start up.
*Looks similar to iTunes.
Zune
Pros:
*Nice, slick interface. Easy to find more information related to whatever music you are interested in. I'd rate it as the top interface of any music program I've seen. iTunes isn't even in the same league.
*Can be used with the Zune Pass, which is a very good option if you like to listen to lots of music but can't afford to buy all of it. I've used it before even without having a Zune to sync it to.
Cons:
*Slower startup than WMP. Been awhile since I've used it (mostly use WMP now, once in awhile Songbird when I want lyrics), but I don't think it was quite as slow to start as iTunes, and it definitely is faster than iTunes once it's up and running.
So which do I recommend?
*If you're really into music, go with the Zune player, even if you don't get the Zune Pass or have a Zune. Top-notch interface, links to other information about similar artists/music. Does what it does very well.
*If you're more of a casual listener, and don't add new items to your collection all that often, Windows Media Player is probably the best option. Lightweigh and does what you need it to. Not as impressive as Zune, and doesn't immerse you as much into the experience, but you may not need that.
*If you like to learn all the lyrics to your songs, go with Songbird. Beats looking up lyrics on the Internet any day, as long as it has lyrics for the songs you are looking for. I'd suggest having it installed in addition to WMP/Zune even if you just occasionally like to look up lyrics. No more of those annoying ringtone ads!
If you have an iPod and want to sync it, Songbird an handle non-touch iPods. If you have an iPod Touch, you'll still need to have iTunes installed, but you can use MediaMonkey to sync it instead of iTunes. I didn't find any particular compelling features of MediaMonkey other than this, but that alone may be enough to justify having it installed if you have an iPod Touch.
I should note I haven't tried foobar2000 or AIMP, as WMP has satisfied me enough that I haven't looked into all the alternatives. I tried Winamp and wasn't a big fan of it, but it does have a fairly large fanbase. -
Assuming that you use iTunes just to sync new songs to your device, and reserving playback of your video and music separate. I highly recommend Windows Media Player 12 64-bit with Shark007 64-bit codec pack (free and the best for Vista/Win7) for your video's. As a simple double click and boom the video is loaded, it's light and easy to use. PLUS, it supports music/video network and internet streaming, which I think is very welcome. I tried it, and it works perfectly. You can use WMP 12 for music as well, nothing is wrong about it. Windows Media Player 12 has internet radio. You can make a playlist with all you favorite radio stations, or click on "Media Guide", to access the internet radio stations. The list should be the same for Winamp, iTunes and WMP12.
Zune software, is as, mentioned above, great even if you don't access the marketplace. Zune is more music oriented. It's bombarded with podcast, all organized, and you add manually your own podcast as well. It's not instant load up like WMP12, but it doesn't take a long time to load, it's fairly quick.
The layout of the Zune is really focused on music. It's like a Windows Media Player.. but optimized for mouse control and music layout.
You pretty music have the same features as iTunes. The only missing features from what I can see, is internet Radio... I don't know what it's not there. But some people found registry hacks which make the Zune show it's internet radio section (obviously not working), but I guess it's in the work, and should be expected in the next version of the Zune software.
The above is what i use daily.
- Windows Media Player 12 is included in Windows 7.
- Shark007 codec pack 32-bit (needs to be installed first): Shark007.net - Windows 7 Codecs - WMP12 Codecs
- Shark007 codec pack 64-bit component: Shark007.net - Windows 7 x64 Codecs - WMP12 Codecs
- Zune (available in 64-bit): Download Zune software | Zune.net - Zune software
Don't be fooled by Shark's not so nice website. It's the best codec pack you can find for your system. It doesn't override Windows built-in codecs, plays anything you through at it, thumbnail support great performance, and has a control panel to tweak all it's codecs in a easy and convenient way.
To enable Windows Media Player 12 64-bit as default player:
- Once Shark007 64-bit codec pack is installed, open the start menu, and open Shark007 Codecs > Settings Application x64 (right-click and select Run As Admin).
- From there, go to the Config tab, and check the radio box: "set 64-bit player". At that moment it will change all shortcuts and file association from the 32-bit Media Player to the 64-bit one, to enjoy your 64-bit codecs. -
Thank you Apollo and GoodBytes for your recommendations. WMP & Zune definitely sound good. I guess iTunes is the only program that does iPod without too much hassle, which is to be expected. What I like about iTunes, despite it's sluggishness and resource usage (which isn't too bad), is that it has everything I need and in one place too. I don't like to have too many programs on my system that do pretty much the same thing, as it just seems like clutter.
Having said that, I'm liking WMP, as it seems well integrated with the whole windows 7 interface (naturally). Microsoft seems to have done a good job with that. Also since I recently and reluctantly (due to 30 cent per song charge) upgraded all my previously DRM-protected iTunes music to DRM-free, I will have no problems playing those songs on there. I'll also look into that codec pack, thanks for the link to it. As nice as Zune software sounds, and it does sound nice, I'll probably pass on that one, due to the "too many of the same thing" reason given earlier.
@ Goodbytes, now there's one question you didn't really answer. Where do you purchase your music from (assuming that's what you do)? And why there? -
no backup like CDs
failsafe except if your house burns down
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. Besides I always back up my music (and files) on an external HDD. I even have a second back-up of that on another HDD. So a back-up of a back-up just for safety
. I like the simplicity of buying digitally and playing immediately. So where would that digital purchase source be (in relation to the music software you recommended), and why?
(pardon the repeat, but I needed to clarify)
EDIT: And please it has to be of equal or better pricing with iTunes Store (99c-1.29c) and of equal or better quality (256). It'd be nice if it offered movies, audiobooks, etc of similar pricing as well. -
if I can I will get CDs - but buying digital.
I know about this thanks to Dave:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/home/detail/1/beatport
(Electronic "club music" etc. - dance bla, bla bla - mixes)
Or else - you can buy MP3s at www.Amazon.com (or .de, .co.uk etc.) (Edit: why does the Amazon Link automatically change to an advertisement link??)
If you are in Germany: www.Saturn.de sells music online... (and is a large well known store)
(Edit: Saturn changes too??? from www. to just the name... ) -
I am in Canada... so my choices are very limited. I can't even buy from the Zune marketplace despite having a Zune... as Microsoft seams to have forgotten about opening the store here.. (probably that is why they wondered why few purchased the Zune in Canada :S). Hopefully that will change with the release of Windows Phone 7, as that is already set to be released worldwide, and has a Zune inside.
I don't have an online store that I prefer... I have my eyes on the Zune store though, and Amazon.com if they ever come to Canada. -
Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake
Nobody said Spotify yet. Yes it has ads but it is amazing now that it can play the mp3's stored on your computer. The only downside (besides not available in many countries) is that it takes up a lot of space, is taking up more than 1GB storing files in (C:\Users\Jayayess1190\AppData\Local\Spotify\Storage). So I think the best music players in 7 are:
Spotify
Zune Player
Songbird
Foobar -
Personally I use Winamp+Win7 taskbar addon for music. Newest Windows media player for movies/tv (it obeys my keyboards media keys) and MPC for small clips. -
It's ok, no ipod and it's crappy sound quality for me, so I'm not stuck with itunes, Cowon ftw.
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). The usage experience is a lot snappier now and I believe start-up times are decreasing (though I have not exactly tested out that last point yet
). I think I'll be sticking with iTunes as it does everything I need it to do conveniently... Try it out again though and please tell us what you think (just curious
).
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Leaked info I read, presented the price of Zune pass in the U.K (same price as in the U.S if you convert). This really means that Microsoft should go with opening the Zune market worldwide at the, or soon after, release of the Windows Phone 7.
Here we come, unlimited download of music for only 15$ a month, where you get to keep 10 songs of your choice in high quality, DRM free at the end, with support up to 3 Zune (ideal for a small family). -
Hi guys,
I am looking for an alternative to iTunes and see you have some nice options listed here. I had a few questions though regarding the available alternatives. What I really want in a music player is for it to be light (not sluggish and a resource hog) but also I want it to display cover art and be able to find it on-line. I also want a music player that contains lyrics like iTunes has the ability to do. Which of the options include these features and also provides the best overall appearance and performance?
Also, are there any music players that have the ability/mod to add music to an android phone?
Thanks so much! -
If you ignore lyrics, and moding, then your next choice, is Zune. The cool thing about Zune software is that it really puts the artist into value, by showing related album, inspired albums, and other albums from the artist, plus you have the whole societal network thingy if you are in this. You have full cover art and album picture as well, and nicely presented while you play your music. If you are in the state, you also have access to Zune pass, which for 15$ per month you get unlimited music download, and at the end of the moth you can get 10 songs, DRM free, high-quality for you to keep. This service is rumored to come world wide with the release of Windows Phone 7, which is expected to be either October or end of the year. -
killkenny1 Too weird to live, too rare to die.
Still using Winamp with Winamp Essentials codec pack. It gets the job done for me, 'cuz I listen to everything, CDs, vinyl rips, mp3 and etc. Love it for compact size. Everything I need is compact player window plus playlist window, what's why I'm not a huge fan of iTunes, WMP and so on, which have huge boxes with unuseful for me information (since I'm a bit of geek and already know everything like album name, year, etc. by heart =) ) and album art, althouhg they get their jobs done. Don't even bother about startup time, 'cuz I've got time =). Tried Aimp a while ago, liked it for its (or it's) compact size and rich features although some for me were unnecessary, like multi tabs, so sticked to Winamp. And for video part - VLC. Also use iTunes to manage my iPod and even though I don't really like it (iTunes that is, not iPod =) ). I find it to be the bestest way to manage and playback music from iPod and Winamp's feature for doing it kinda sucks, had tried working with it, but iTunes still beats it. Planning to do a clean install when my notebook get back from warranty service "vacation", so I'm thinking about trying something new. Any suggestions? But still, nothin' beats for me the feel and quality of CD and vinyl players, but that's a hardware issue not software =).
Best music software for windows 7?
Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by vestibule1443, Mar 1, 2010.