Windows media players ~ interface, data, sound Q

[rick57]

I'm going to move to a shareware or lower $ media player.
Ideally native or with plugins, all of: lossless (one audio format will do), actively developed, preferably Windows, remote capablity, for some pre 1950 or crappy recordings - (gasp) simple EQ, flexible random play;
to select from the many . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari...ayers#Features

is there somwhere a good comparison of their interfaces and "library management" - database sorting (aka Customizable View schemes"), the ability to keep optional fields of info on each album or track , eg other than the really obvious things, maybe fields for:
- purchased or downloaded
- special comments

Or a dedicated forum?

Or is really true (possible) that Foobar ("with the right settings and plugins") sounds best?

Cheers

Search so far - J. River & foobar look promising

[Schaef]

Well, I use foobar for my media playing and really like it. The newer version has a nice database feature, and it supports a ton of formats. The only downside is the (obviously) lack of support of the closed audio formats, but since I don't have any of them, it doesn't make any difference to me. As to sound quality, it sounds fine on my computer speakers and on headphones.

[bigwill]

All media players sensibly programmed will sound the same

[rick57]

Thanks all the main packages I believe output the same bit rate, makes sense. . any comments or leads in interfaces or flexibility of library management

Cheers