Best choice for default audio player?

ITunes or something else?

 

Have you tried Windows Media Player? If not, why not try it? You already have it and I think it is a good media player. However, if you would like to try another one, I suggest VLC media player. More info at http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html

 

One caveat on Windows 8/8.1: Windows Media Player will not play DVD or Blu-Ray movies unless you buy an online upgrade from Microsoft -- $59.99 if you have the Premium (standard) version of 8/8.1; $9.99 if you have the Professional version.

If you don't want to pay, just download and install VLC as usafveteran stated.

 

I didn't think to mention in my first post that my HP laptop (Windows 8.1) came with the free version of CyberLink PowerDVD, which will play DVD movies. So, if you're not sure what all is actually installed on your computer, a fresh look at your software might reveal something you already have installed but haven't used yet.

 

Never tried itunes and never will.
I used AIMP3 for a long time to play my music collection. I like its interface. But it doesn't play internet radio.
So I tried a lot of the alternative audio players and ended up using Foobar2000.
I'm very happy with it. Though quite a plain looking player, it is configurable to a high degree; if you want to do so. It plays most audio formats by default.
Sound quality is a subjective thing. Plus the quality of your sound card and speakers/headphones.
I would recommend Foobar, but give some of the others a try as well. There's Music Bee - did a good job, but I just didn't like the look of it and it's dreadful icons
Media Monkey - again did a good job, but seems to use a lot more resources than necessary and takes up a lot more space than others
Winamp - ah, good old Winamp. In a state of flux at the moment since it was killed off. Currently being resurrected by a Belgian company.
It really is down to personal taste at the end of the day.

 

I know you asked about audio files but I'll give you my thoughts on this...

For Video files I recommend GOM Player:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/iobit_driver_booster.html
you will also need Codec's:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/k_lite_mega_codec_pack.html

I choose GOM over VLC because I personally find GOM to provide better video quality.

As for Audio I use iTunes, but I think the main reason for me using iTunes is because of having two iPods which is the only way you can add music to them.

Although if I ever found another program I would be tempted to switch from iTunes but that would mean having two audio programs on one computer, not that it's an issue

 

On windows 8.1 I use Xbox music it also manages my library so any new music downloaded it will automatically be added in to the list.

 

I have since 1995 counted on realplayer for audio and video. The video isn't exactly the greatest imo, but the audio is like silk for the ears...again imo.

Never have been able to understand why there seems to be the disdain there is for RealPlayer.

WinAmp is interesting, but I have never connected to the audio rendering in any of the versions of the program I have tried...

 

I'm a Linux-user, so I have a whole other ecosystem of apps which are of little interest and probably even less use to Windows users. But some of them are cross-platform and are absolutely available!

And who am I to tell someone what they SHOULD like, but iTunes is HORRIBLE in my opinion and almost every iPod owner I know has made a comment at some point that they would "switch to something else, if they could." Guess what...YOU CAN!!! Apple is so good at marketing that they have succeeded in persuading users to continue using software they don't like (or even hate!), rather than buy a different device! I think MANY iTunes users would switch, if only they knew they could. If you like iTunes, or if you're happy with your iTunes experience, there's no reason to do anything different. Different strokes for different folks, and all that... But for everyone else, here are some options to manage your music collection and your iPod:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2971...s-to-itunes-10-for-easily-managing-your-ipod/

Also, I would mention Banshee Music Player:
http://banshee.fm/

This is what I use in Linux, but it is cross-platform for different OS's. I've never used it on Windows, but it is THE BEST iPod manager on Linux, IMO! So I'm guessing it will deliver a similar experience on Windows.

Having successfully weaned my children from iTunes within the past 3-4 years, I must also disclose that it likely will not be a smooth experience. While iTunes hasn't put DRM on their music for a few years, any previously purchased music with DRM will STILL have DRM and will present some issues for migration to another application. Without iTunes authorizations, DRM files will no longer play, and they are indeed specific to iTunes, keeping users locked in to the Apple ecosystem. How to tell? Look at your music file format extensions. On Windows, DRM-protected music will end in *.m4p while non-protected music will end in *.m4a.

If you have a lot of DRM-protected files, it's probably best to purchase a DRM stripper application, such as DaniusSoft or Tunebites or something similar. I used the DaniusSoft offering with no issues. If you only have a few DRM tunes, or prefer to do it manually, DRM can be removed simply by burning the affected music to a CD, then re-importing back into iTunes as an *.mp3 file. With all DRM-protected files having been stripped of DRM, it will be smooth sailing to import your music into a new music manager application. Either copy your "iTunes music directory" to a new location, such as "My Music", manually delete all *.m4p files in the new location, and point your new music manager to that location; OR simply point your new music manager to your iTunes directory and drill down the directory menu until you hit the artist/song level, and wait for your new software to build it's library by importing every music file it finds (recognizing that your protected *.m4p files will be imported into your new application's database, but will not play; you will have a Music.m4p file and a Music.mp3 file of the same song; the mp3 will play, the m4p will not).

I would also recommend verifying that ALL your music has been identified; and to perform a sample "sync" function of a playlist or something similar. Once you're satisfied everything is there, and working as it should be, I would recommend restoring your iPod to its factory default config and wiping out the iTunes-synced database. THEN sync your iPod to the new music manager. With a new music manager, you will have the added bonus of syncing your music directory to AS MANY DEVICES AS YOU SEE FIT (bye-bye computer & device authorization!), including non-apple devices, such as Android phones.

And even if you decide you want to return to iTunes, it would be a simple matter to delete the old iTunes directory (thereby deleting all old DRM-restricted files) and copy/paste the newly created DRM-free database into the iTunes directory structure, for re-importation back into iTunes. This will have an added benefit in that you will no longer have restrictions on copying/moving DRM files.

Point being...you really do have options and there's really nothing to lose in pursuing those options, other than some time and effort. I would even argue that those who LIKE iTunes would be better off removing DRM from their music files; while they'll still deal with iTunes-imposed issues regarding "authorization" of computers and devices, at least they can use their DRM-liberated files in other applications or other devices.

Our family's migration from iTunes was a little painful, as I didn't know the above information before I started, but bumped and grinded through the process as roadblocks were found. And it didn't help that my children considered iTunes to be the holy grail of a musical teet from which they suckled. But after the migration was complete and I showed them how to purchase music from less expensive sources (i.e. Amazon, Google, and other miscellaneous sources) and to manage their devices, they agreed it was much easier than iTunes 1-stop shop offering. And they LOVED that they could save about 0.30 per song, on average. We've never looked back!

Perhaps I've evangelized too much... If you're truly interested, it can be done; just follow along above. If you prefer iTunes...hey, it's your computer and your money...use what works for ya! Good luck!