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aNIAHlator
11
Jan 30, 2020
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Does this translate all output audio, or will it not translate certain file types? I'll be trying to play WAV files since I'm ripping them from discs to Windows Media Player before putting them on my Android. And bonus question, any recommendations for good music apps for playing hi-fi audio on Android?
ds60
77
Feb 3, 2020
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aNIAHlatorPoweramp v3 is probably the best paid/closed source app you'll find, and it has built-in support for external DACs that may prove useful if your device kernel was not built with usbaudio support. It has Android Auto support, voice assistant integration, lockscreen controls, great format support, a dedicated audio engine, etc etc etc.
There are other apps that do what Poweramp can but not all at once in one app.
A free but closed source alternative is foobar2000 mobile. Not as many features as Poweramp but significantly less BS than other Play Store apps.
If you want FOSS you can use VLC or Vinyl, the second of which I prefer for its simple interface though it does have less features to VLC. VLC might be one of the best FOSS video players on Android but I do not like it's audio playback capabilities. It also is very lacking in effects and other processing steps that its desktop variant has; even the simplistic Vinyl has more in some cases. Also, playback speed is automatically rate adjusted so if your processor falls behind, instead of a pause you will have distortion. On my device music is practically unlistenable when streaming from a remote source over wireless, as VLC will slow the tempo to avoid drop outs when the signal can't keep up with playback speed.
In short:
- Poweramp
- foobar2000 mobile
- Vinyl
- VLC
(Edited)
Mc_365
42
Mar 25, 2020
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aNIAHlatorFirst, if you don't plan on using tidal masters streaming than there are cheaper alternatives.
1) USB Audio Player PRO
2) HF Player by Onkyo
3) HiBiy Music App
4) Poweramp
5) Media Monkey
6) Foobar 2000 mobile
1-3 Are well known for DAC support and compatibility enabling HiRes playback . I personaly use HF Player by Onkyo and I've used HiBy. Poweramp is a great player but they have not been the best with supporting DACS and HiRes Media Monkey and Foobar offer great features other than HiRes like playback from local Nas server. Foobar has a bunch of add ons if you like to tinker.
If you're just worried about wav files, everything plays waves.
ds60
77
Aug 3, 2020
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ChenosI forgot to mention it, but @Mc_365 took care of that. The latest versions of Poweramp seem to have great DAC support (I know older versions, like in the v2 days, didn't) and it has worked with whatever I've thrown at it personally, so I can't complain. USB Audio Player Pro for a long time has been the gold standard in device support, but it does lack some more powerful features. Both offer trials so if you are interested it's trivial to try them out.
Mc_365
42
Aug 7, 2020
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ChenosWell that would be the fault of the Hilidac manufacturer. Android has a simple audio chain that doesn't recognize DACs. This is the case for all Android phones, so it is a known factor. The DAC manufacturer has chosen not to supply the needed software. It is your choice as a consumer to decide if its worth it to purchase. It is also noteworthy that even the most expensive high-end brick style portable DACs require the same driver software and only a few provide their own.
ds60
77
Aug 15, 2020
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Mc_365The issue is they would need to spend time and money developing and keeping up a dedicated Android app just to allow lossless playback, and with all the competitors on the market, they would surely not be able to keep up. Plus, unless they put ads on the app or charge a fee for it, it likely won't bring in any money. Even if they did, they would have to run ads or news pieces, or bundle a free version with every DAC purchase in order generate enough buzz to get new people to try it out in order to generate revenue. It's an investment that they would likely not benefit from.
Also, keep in mind that most DACs use the same USB Audio interface, so proprietary apps and drivers are pretty much unnecessary. The fact that there is not a free app that has the same features as the more powerful ones we are talking about is a result of market forces: why make a free, open-source app that just works when you can make money? Same thing as to why some devices need proprietary audio drivers, since it very rarely is for any technical reason.
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