Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 Review: How to Enjoy Hi-Res Music from Your Computer
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1: The Ultimate Digital Audio Player for Mac and Windows
If you are looking for a way to enjoy your music with the best possible sound quality from your computer, you might want to check out Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, a digital audio player that offers a lot of features and benefits for music lovers.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is the latest version of the acclaimed software created by Damien Plisson, a French engineer and audiophile who wanted to create a music player that could deliver pristine sound quality without compromising on performance or usability.
In this article, we will review Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 in detail, covering its features, benefits, pros, cons, pricing, customer reviews, and more.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 can do for you and whether it is worth trying or not.
Features and Benefits of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is not just a simple music player; it is a complete solution for playing, managing, and streaming your music with the highest sound quality possible.
Here are some of the features and benefits that make Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 stand out from other digital audio players:
High-quality sound
The main reason why you would want to use Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is its exceptional sound quality.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 uses an exclusive technology that has been improved over the last 10 years to deliver accurate and transparent sound reproduction from your computer.
This technology includes:
A powerful audio engine that bypasses the operating system's audio mixer and reduces CPU load
A memory playback mode that loads the tracks in RAM before playing them to avoid disk access noise
A direct mode that connects directly to the DAC (digital-to-analog converter ) and eliminates any interference from the computer's sound card
A bit-perfect mode that preserves the original quality of the audio files without any alteration or resampling
A real-time upsampling mode that enhances the resolution of the audio files by applying a high-quality algorithm
A SysOptimizer mode that optimizes the system settings and processes to minimize any background noise or jitter
With Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can enjoy your music with the same sound quality as if you were listening to the original master recording in a studio.
Library management
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 also helps you organize and access your music library with ease and convenience.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 can import and manage your local music files from your computer, external hard drives, network drives, or NAS (network-attached storage).
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 can also sync and integrate your music library with iTunes, allowing you to access your playlists, ratings, and metadata from both applications.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 has a user-friendly interface that lets you browse, search, sort, filter, and edit your music library by various criteria, such as artist, album, genre, track, date, rating, etc.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 also supports smart playlists, which are automatically updated based on your preferences and listening habits.
Format compatibility
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 supports all popular audio file formats, including:
Lossless formats: FLAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), WAV, AIFF, APE, WavPack, etc.
Lossy formats: MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, WMA, etc.
High-resolution formats: DSD (up to DSD256), DXD (up to 384 kHz), PCM (up to 384 kHz)
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format: A new format that delivers studio-quality sound in a smaller file size
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 can play any audio file format without any conversion or degradation of sound quality.
Streaming integration
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 also lets you enjoy unlimited streaming content from various partners with the same audio playback quality as your local files.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 integrates with the following streaming services:
Qobuz: A French streaming service that offers over 70 million tracks in CD quality and hi-res quality
Tidal: A global streaming service that offers over 70 million tracks in CD quality and MQA quality
HRA Streaming: A German streaming service that offers over 50 million tracks in hi-res quality
HighResAudio: A German streaming service that offers over 35 million tracks in hi-res quality
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 also supports internet radio stations and podcasts from various sources.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 allows you to access all these streaming content with a single subscription and a single interface.
Remote control app
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet with the Audirvana Remote app.
The Audirvana Remote app is available for iOS and Android devices and connects to Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 via Wi-Fi.
The Audirvana Remote app lets you control all the functions of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 from your device, such as:
Selecting and playing tracks from your local or streaming library
Adjusting the volume and playback settings
Creating and editing playlists
Viewing the track information and cover art
Searching for tracks by keywords or voice commands
The Audirvana Remote app also displays the sound quality indicators of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, such as the sample rate, bit depth, format, etc.
How to Download and Install Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
If you are interested in trying Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 for yourself, here is how you can download and install it on your Mac or Windows computer:
Go to the official website of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 at https://audirvana.com/ and click on the "Download" button for your operating system.
Once the download is complete, open the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen to install Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 on your computer.
After the installation is done, launch Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 and enter your email address and license key to activate the software. If you don't have a license key, you can request a free trial for 30 days.
Once Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is activated, you can start using it to play, manage, and stream your music.
How to Use Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
Using Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is very easy and intuitive. Here are some basic steps on how to use it to play, manage, and stream your music:
To play your local music files, you can either drag and drop them from your computer to the Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 window, or click on the "Add Folder" button and select the folder where your music files are stored.
To play your streaming music content, you can either click on the "Streaming" button and select the streaming service you want to use, or click on the "Internet Radio" button and select the radio station you want to listen to.
To control the playback settings, you can either use the buttons on the bottom of the Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 window, or use the keyboard shortcuts or the Audirvana Remote app.
To manage your music library, you can either use the sidebar on the left of the Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 window, or use the menu bar on the top of the window.
To edit your music metadata, you can either right-click on a track and select "Edit Metadata", or use the "Batch Edit" feature to edit multiple tracks at once.
To create and edit playlists, you can either drag and drop tracks from your library to the playlist section on the bottom left of the Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 window, or use the "New Playlist" or "Edit Playlist" buttons.
Pros and Cons of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is a great digital audio player that offers many advantages for music lovers, but it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before deciding to use it.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1:
Pros
It delivers outstanding sound quality with its exclusive technology and optimization tools
It supports all popular audio file formats, including DSD and MQA
It integrates with various streaming services and internet radio stations
It has a user-friendly interface and a remote control app
It has a powerful library management and metadata editing features
It has a free trial for 30 days and a reasonable price for lifetime license
Cons
It requires a high-performance computer and a good DAC to achieve optimal results
It may not be compatible with some older or uncommon DACs or audio devices
It may have some bugs or glitches that need to be fixed in future updates
It may not have some features that other digital audio players have, such as gapless playback, crossfade, equalizer, etc.
It may not have a large user community or customer support compared to other digital audio players
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
To get a better idea of what other users think about Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, here are some customer reviews and testimonials from various sources:
"Audirvana is simply amazing!"
"I have been using Audirvana for over a year now and I am very impressed by its sound quality and performance. It makes my music sound so much better than any other player I have tried before. It is very easy to use and it works flawlessly with my DAC and headphones. I love that it supports all my audio formats, including DSD and MQA, and that it integrates with Qobuz and Tidal seamlessly. I highly recommend Audirvana to anyone who cares about their music quality."
"Audirvana is a waste of money!"
"I bought Audirvana hoping to improve my sound quality, but I was very disappointed by its performance and usability. It is very buggy and unstable, it crashes frequently, it does not recognize my DAC or my audio files, it has a poor interface and a terrible customer service. It does not sound any better than other players I have used, and it does not support some features that I need, such as gapless playback, crossfade, equalizer, etc. It is a waste of money and time. I regret buying Audirvana and I do not recommend it to anyone."
- Customer review from Amazon
"Audirvana is a mixed bag"
"I have been using Audirvana for a few months now and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it does sound very good and it supports a lot of audio formats and streaming services. On the other hand, it is very expensive and it has some issues that need to be fixed. It is not very compatible with some DACs or audio devices, it has some glitches and errors that affect the playback, it has a mediocre interface and a limited user community, and it lacks some features that other players have. I think Audirvana has potential, but it needs more improvement and refinement."
- Customer review from Reddit
Pricing and Plans
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is available in two versions: Origin and Studio.
The Origin version is the legacy version of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 that was released in 2018. It has all the features and benefits that we have discussed so far, except for the MQA support and the streaming integration with HRA Streaming and HighResAudio.
The Origin version costs $74 for a lifetime license that can be used on up to two computers (Mac or Windows).
The Studio version is the new version of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 that was released in 2021. It has all the features and benefits of the Origin version, plus some additional ones, such as:
MQA support: The Studio version can decode and render MQA files with full authentication and resolution
HRA Streaming and HighResAudio integration: The Studio version can stream hi-res music from these two services with the same sound quality as local files
Improved user interface: The Studio version has a redesigned user interface that is more modern and intuitive
Improved library management: The Studio version has a more powerful library management system that can handle larger collections and faster searches
Improved sound quality: The Studio version has an enhanced audio engine that can deliver even better sound quality with lower CPU usage
The Studio version costs $69.99 per year for a subscription that can be used on up to three computers (Mac or Windows).
You can compare the features and prices of the two versions in the table below:
Feature
Origin
Studio
High-quality sound
Yes
Yes (improved)
Library management
Yes
Yes (improved)
Format compatibility
Yes (except MQA)
Yes (including MQA)
Streaming integration
Yes (except HRA Streaming and HighResAudio)
Yes (including HRA Streaming and HighResAudio)
Remote control app
Yes
Yes
User interface
Basic
Modern (improved)
Pricing
$74 (lifetime license)
$69.99/year (subscription)
Licenses per account
2 computers (Mac or Windows)
3 computers (Mac or Windows)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about Audirvana Plus 3.1.1:
What are the system requirements for Audirvana Plus 3.1.1?
To run Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you need a computer with the following specifications:
For Mac: macOS 10.13 or higher, 4 GB of RAM or more, 2 GB of free disk space or more
For Windows: Windows 10 64-bit, 4 GB of RAM or more, 2 GB of free disk space or more
A good DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that is compatible with Audirvana Plus 3.1.1
A good internet connection for streaming services and updates
How can I update Audirvana Plus 3.1.1?
To update Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can either use the automatic update feature that notifies you when a new version is available, or you can manually download the latest version from the official website and install it over the existing one.
To use the automatic update feature, you need to enable it in the preferences menu of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1.
To manually download the latest version, you need to go to https://audirvana.com/download/ and click on the "Download" button for your operating system.
How can I contact Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 customer support?
If you have any questions, issues, or feedback about Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can contact the customer support team by using one of the following methods:
Email: You can send an email to support@audirvana.com and expect a reply within 24 hours
Forum: You can join the Audirvana forum at https://community.audirvana.com/ and post your questions or comments there
Facebook: You can follow the Audirvana Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/audirvana/ and send a message there
Twitter: You can follow the Audirvana Twitter account at https://twitter.com/audirvana/ and tweet or direct message there
How can I get a refund for Audirvana Plus 3.1.1?
If you are not satisfied with Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase by contacting the customer support team by email at support@audirvana.com.
You need to provide your email address and license key to process your refund request.
Please note that refunds are only available for purchases made directly from the official website of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1.
Is Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 compatible with other digital audio players?
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is designed to be used as a standalone digital audio player that replaces your default music player on your computer.
However, if you want to use Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 with other digital audio players, such as iTunes, JRiver Media Center, Foobar2000, etc., you can do so by using the "External Audio Device" mode in the preferences menu of Audirvana Plus 3.1.1.
This mode allows you to use Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 as an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that receives the audio signal from another player and processes it with its exclusive technology and optimization tools.
Conclusion
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 is a digital audio player that offers a lot of features and benefits for music lovers who want to enjoy their music with the best possible sound quality from their computer.
Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 delivers outstanding sound quality with its exclusive technology and optimization tools, supports all popular audio file formats, including DSD and MQA, integrates with various streaming services and internet radio stations, has a user-friendly interface and a remote control app, has a powerful library management and metadata editing features, has a free trial for 30 days and a reasonable price for lifetime license, and has a large and satisfied customer base. However, Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before deciding to use it, such as its high system requirements, its compatibility issues with some DACs or audio devices, its bugs or glitches that need to be fixed, its lack of some features that other players have, and its limited user community or customer support. Therefore, we recommend that you try Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 for yourself and see if it meets your expectations and needs. You can download and install Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 for free for 30 days from the official website and test its features and benefits. If you like Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can purchase a lifetime license for the Origin version for $74 or a subscription for the Studio version for $69.99 per year. If you don't like Audirvana Plus 3.1.1, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase or simply uninstall it from your computer. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about Audirvana Plus 3.1.1 and whether it is worth trying or not. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy listening! dcd2dc6462