I have been listening to JRiver Media Center on Windows for almost two years and have been a happy customer. JRiver on Windows is extensively reviewed by Chris. 
It has been nearly two years to the day since I wrote about JRiver Media Center [Link
]. At the time JRiver was on version 14 and Windows 7 was somewhat new to audiophiles. Now JRiver has progressed to version 17 and most computer audiophiles have moved from previous versions of Windows to Windows 7. Much of the meat in that first article still holds true today. Using Exclusive Mode and WASAPI output remain great methods of outputting bit perfect audio from one's computer. Nevertheless it's time for an updated article that computer audiophiles can use as an unbiased reference for JRiver configuration and information.
Computer audiophiles using Windows 7 based music servers have a plethora of configuration and application choices for music management and playback. A quick look at Wikipedia's list of applications, Windows, OS X and otherwise, can overwhelm anyone. Over the years I've tried more operating systems and applications than I can remember. Many of these have show stopping flaws that rule them out as contenders immediately. Applications that can't play certain file formats or all required sample rates don't receive much attention from me. That was the case over one year ago with J river Media Center 13. I tried to play some of the Reference Recordings HRx 24/176.4 material and had nothing but problems. No doubt the problems could have been worked out, but with so many options available elsewhere I didn't see any reason to spend time with the application. Since this initial underwhelming experience J River has released Media Center version 14. In addition many colleagues in the industry have encouraged me to give it another serious look. One colleague even backed up his suggestion with measurements showing JRMC's playback bit transparency. I started to see the light at CES this year and realized it was finally time take another look at J River Media Center as well as time to get serious about Windows 7.
Windows 7 has been available for about two days. Here is a quick update for the Computer Audiophile readers about my last 48 hours spent with the new operating system. First and foremost I have to admit I really want Windows 7 to succeed and be a great music server platform. I'd like nothing more than to wave goodbye to Windows XP, a legacy OS that is tough to find (legally) these days. My first 12 hours with Windows 7 were filled with frustration and disappointment. Everywhere I clicked I received an error message at best and more blue screens than I've seen in the last three years. In the last 12 hours I've made major headway and I'm pleased to say I like what I hear thus far.
Music Server Model CA03
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