[DevilsRightHand]

I just bought a Pico USB Amp/Dac and in the user manual, Headamp lists 2 recommended softwares ie. iTunes and Cog. This is the first I've heard of Cog so I wanted your opinion on this app but also what you Head-Fier Mac users use and prefers for your audio needs.
 
Be it audio/media player, equalizers, converters, tweakers or MP3 player library managers.

 

[cgoodwin22]

I use Audirvana Plus as my music player.  You can run it integrated with iTunes.  I play it through my Audioengine D1 DAC.  The sound is amazing.
 
Software can be purchased here (15 day trial version as well):
http://audirvana.com/?p=34
 
 
Here's a review on Audirvana Plus:
http://apple.it-enquirer.com/2012/12/28/audirvana-plus-music-player/

 

[netdog]

How are these better than just using BitPerfect to ensure that iTunes delivers a bit-perfect signal to the DAC? I'm quite skeptical.

 

[Hi Rez]

I use Pure Music - it also has a free trial period.  It also can be used with iTunes.  It offers a noticeable sound improvement over basic iTunes.
 
http://www.channld.com/pure-music4.html

 

[Hi Rez]

Quote:

How are these better than just using BitPerfect to ensure that iTunes delivers a bit-perfect signal to the DAC?

Not certain they would be better - everything I hear about BitPerfect is that it is quite good.  I have a friend using BitPerfect who is quite happy with it.  
 
But a bit-perfect signal to the DAC might not be all that matters.  I use Pure Music which is a noticeable improvement over iTunes in it's basic configuration.  Configuring it to Memory Play / Hog Mode / Integer Mode makes a very noticeable improvement over the basic configuration - still the same bit-perfect signal....  Hmmm.
 
Others say different media players sound different.  I haven't tried other players, but personally it wouldn't surprise me if they did.  Maybe one of these days I'll take advantage of a free trial period and find out for myself.