Top 5 MP3 players

From...

by Linda L. Grubbs

(IDG)

1. Winamp: Listen to high-quality digital music with this popular--and free--utility, which supports an array of formats, including MP3, CD, WMA, Audiosoft, Mjuice, and MOD. It offers a skinnable interface and supports audio/visual plug-ins that allow you to create multimedia effects. With its extensive customization options, you can create hot-keys for quick file loading; utilize keyboard shortcuts; and create multiple playlists. This version offers enhanced MP3 HTTP streaming dialog, improved security, and bug fixes.

2. MusicMatch JukeBox: This free program combines CD ripping and encoding for one-step recording from your CD-ROM to your hard drive. It also can convert .mp3 files into .wav files, and vice versa. Version 5.1 offers a MusicMatch guide for finding free MP3s; improved support for CD burning; and new multimedia plug-ins. This update's new interface lets you listen to the files in your playlists and share your playlists with friends online. You can also create personalized radio stations.

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3. Sonique: This audio player can handle many formats, including .wav, MP3, MP2, OGG, MOD, XM, IT, S3M, CD audio, and all Windows Media Audio formats. You get a full-featured playlist editor, a variety of skins (Star Trek, iron butterfly, Dodge Viper, and others), as well as a 20-band equalizer and a control set featuring pitch, balance, and amplification adjustment.

4. Windows Media Player: Also available as part of the Windows Me OS, this media player comes loaded with great entertainment options. The Media Guide section highlights preset and featured Internet radio stations across all genres. You can also play videos and listen to CDs and MP3 files, as well as organize your music. If you're looking for a particular artist, check out the Artist Profile section, where you'll find biographical information, along with music downloads for a fee. What I liked most about the player was the relative ease with which I could copy CD tracks to the Media Library--a couple of clicks, and I was on my way. And the music playback quality was great. Put this free program at the top of your download list.

5. Audio Catalyst: This shareware lets you rip, encode, and manage your MP3 collection. It offers advanced file-naming and storage features, and it supports analog and digital ripping. The MP3s you create with Audio Catalyst abide strictly to the ISO standard, so you can play them with any MP3-compliant player.

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