What Audirvana does

Audirvana (legally AUDIRVĀNA SAS) is a privately-held, bootstrapped software company headquartered in Paris, France, founded in 2011 by Damien Plisson. The company develops high-end digital audio playback software for Mac (Apple Silicon), Windows 11, and Linux platforms, applying proprietary 'shortest path' and 'silent component' principles through kernel-level programming, exclusive DAC access that bypasses system audio mixers, upstream processing, and CPU optimization (sub-0.5% activity during playback). Its product line consists of Audirvana Studio, a subscription-based HD audio player ($7.99/month or $79.99/year) integrating streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Presto Music), internet radio, podcasts, and local library management; Audirvana Origin, a perpetual license ($149.99) for local library playback; a Signal Processing Suite add-on ($89.99) offering 10-band parametric EQ, convolution engine, crossfeed, and output balance; a headless Linux Core Player for NAS and audio server deployments; and a free Remote app for iOS and Android.

The company serves three primary segments: demanding individual audiophiles seeking bit-perfect computer audio playback, music professionals (Grammy-winning producers and engineers including Glenn Tabor, John Dunkerley, Michael Beinhorn, and Edward J. Nixon) requiring transparent reference playback for mixing and mastering, and high-end audio hardware manufacturers (Antipodes, Metronome, Devialet, Focal, Naim) that license Core Player for embedded deployment via the 'Plāys with Audirvana' certification program covering 50+ manufacturers. The company generates revenue through consumer subscriptions, perpetual software licenses, optional add-on purchases, and OEM/embedded licensing, distributed globally via direct website download, app stores, and partner channels. The product won the EISA Music Playback Software 2025-2026 Best Product Award.

Name

Audirvana

Legal name

AUDIRVĀNA SAS

Website

https://audirvana.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Audirvana develops high-end digital audio playback software (Studio subscription, Origin perpetual license, Linux Core Player) for audiophiles, music professionals, and audio hardware manufacturers, applying proprietary shortest-path and silent-component technology across Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

High-Fidelity Audio Playback Software

NAICS

Other Sound Recording Industries (512290)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Audio Editing, Restoration & Mastering Software (MPAIAIAH)

Keywords

• Hi-fi audio software
• Digital music player
• Audio playback software
• Music streaming software
• DAC audio control

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Audirvāna Studio Subscription: Monthly or yearly subscription model for full-featured version including streaming service integration, radios, podcasts, and all signal processing features. Includes free Remote app access.
2. Audirvāna Origin License: One-time perpetual license purchase for local library playback without streaming services. Includes regular updates and OS compatibility.
3. Signal Processing Suite Add-on: Optional paid add-on for Origin license (or included in bundle) enabling 10-band EQ, convolution engine, crossfeed, and output balance features.
4. CorePlayer Partner Licensing: OEM licensing model for hardware manufacturers embedding Audirvāna Core Player on their audio devices (NAS, streamers, servers). Subscription or customization terms.
5. Partner Referral Discounts: Through 'Plāys with Audirvāna' certification program, customers of partner manufacturers receive special offers and discounts, driving adoption.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Audirvāna develops and sells high-end digital audio playback software that delivers bit-perfect audio from computers, NAS, and Linux servers to DACs, applying 'shortest path' and 'silent component' principles. The product line includes Audirvāna Studio (subscription with integrated streaming services), Audirvāna Origin (one-time perpetual license for local libraries), a Linux Core Player for headless audio servers, a Signal Processing Suite add-on, and free Remote mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Product overview

Audirvāna is a high-end digital audio playback software company offering two main product tiers: Audirvāna Studio (subscription-based with streaming integration) and Audirvāna Origin (one-time license for local library only). Both share the same exclusive Core Player playback technology and include a free Remote mobile app for iOS and Android. An optional Signal Processing Suite adds 10-band parametric EQ, convolution engine, crossfeed, and output balance. A Linux Core Player version targets NAS and headless audio server deployments. The products apply 'shortest path' and 'silent component' principles to deliver bit-perfect audio to DACs with minimal processor interference.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Audirvāna Studio Premium subscription-based HD digital audio player integrating local music libraries with streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Presto Music), 65,000+ internet radio stations, and 55,000+ podcasts. Built on the proprietary Core Player technology for bit-perfect playback to DACs. Includes free Remote app for iOS and Android. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Awarded EISA Music Playback Software 2025-2026 Best Product.
• Audirvāna Origin One-time perpetual license digital audio player for local music library playback without streaming services. Uses the same Core Player technology as Studio with regular updates and at least 2 years of OS compatibility. Signal Processing Suite available as optional add-on. Multiple installs allowed (non-simultaneous use).
• Linux Core Player Headless version of Audirvāna designed for NAS devices and Linux-based audio servers. Controlled entirely via the Remote mobile app. Compatible with ARM and Intel 64-bit processors. Works with both Studio subscription and Origin license. Targeted at audio hardware manufacturers embedding CorePlayer on their devices as well as home users with Linux servers.
• Signal Processing Suite Optional add-on (or included in Studio subscription) offering 10-band parametric EQ, convolution engine, crossfeed for headphones, and output balance with gain/delay. Compatible with multichannel audio. Accessible from the Remote app.
• Audirvāna Remote App Free smartphone and tablet remote control application for iOS and Android. Allows browsing music libraries, creating playlists, adjusting volume, and modifying Audirvāna settings from a mobile device. Compatible with all Audirvāna versions.
• Audirvāna CorePlayer (OEM Licensing) OEM/embedded licensing of the Audirvāna CorePlayer playback engine for high-end audio equipment manufacturers (e.g., Antipodes, Métronome DSAS). Enables headless operation on partner devices, controlled via the Audirvāna Remote app. Licensed on subscription or customization terms to NAS, streamer, and server manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Less than 0.5% CPU load during playback
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Metronome (Métronome DSAS)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2025First high-end server powered by Audirvāna. DSAS (Digital Sharing Audio Server) presented at Munich High End 2025. Runs Audirvāna Studio on 4GB RAM Linux processor, stores up to 4TB of music, controlled entirely through Audirvāna mobile app.
• AntipodescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCorePlayer partner hosting Audirvāna Core player app directly on their audio server devices. The computer is not required to run Audirvāna; fully controlled through Remote app.
• DevialetcoreTechnology or IntegrationFrench high-end audio equipment manufacturer certified to work with Audirvāna. Featured as major partner with logo prominence on website. Customers can benefit from special offers through the 'Plāys with Audirvāna' partnership program.
• FocalcoreTechnology or IntegrationFrench premium speaker manufacturer certified to work with Audirvāna. Featured as major partner with logo prominence on website. Customers can benefit from special offers through the 'Plāys with Audirvāna' partnership program.
• MetronomecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFrench high-end audio manufacturer that partnered with Audirvāna to create the Métronome DSAS music server, featuring Audirvāna Studio embedded on a 4GB RAM Linux processor. First high-end server powered by Audirvāna. Featured at Munich High End 2025.
• NaimcoreTechnology or IntegrationBritish high-end audio equipment manufacturer certified to work with Audirvāna. Featured as major partner with logo prominence on website. Customers can benefit from special offers through the 'Plāys with Audirvāna' partnership program.
• TidalcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegrated HD streaming partner allowing access to Tidal's catalog of 100+ million titles in CD quality and 1+ million in master studio quality (Hi-Res/MQA) directly within Audirvāna Studio with Audirvāna playback quality. Tidal Max now available with lossless HiRes support.
• QobuzcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegrated HD streaming partner, pioneer of high-quality sound since 2007, offering 80+ million tracks in Hi-Res and CD quality. Available in 25 countries. Automatic transfer of playlists and favorites for Audirvāna subscribers.
• SoundiizminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline playlist management platform partner. Allows users to transfer, synchronize, and manage playlists between streaming services. Audirvāna users receive 15% discount on Soundiiz Premium subscriptions with code 'AUDIRVANAVIP'.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• foobar2000: foobar2000 is a long-running free Windows audiophile player with extensive format support and DSP plugins. While not a paid competitor, it sets a low price floor in the audiophile player category and competes for the same technically-engaged user base.
• Signalyst (HQPlayer): HQPlayer is a high-end audio upsampling and playback software emphasizing advanced DAC algorithms, DSD support, and convolution filters. It targets the same audiophile community that cares about bit-perfect playback and upsampling quality, overlapping directly with Audirvana's core technical proposition.
• Plex (Plexamp): Plexamp is Plex's audiophile music player built on top of the Plex media server ecosystem, offering high-resolution playback, library management, and remote control. It is a more accessible, mainstream-priced alternative to Audirvana in the local-library audiophile playback space.
• JRiver Media Center: JRiver Media Center is a long-established media player for audiophiles and home theater users, supporting high-resolution audio formats, extensive library management, and signal processing. It competes with Audirvana for the prosumer/audiophile who wants a one-time purchase for local library playback.
• Roon Labs: Roon is the most direct competitor to Audirvana: a subscription-based premium music player software ($7.50-$14.99/mo) focused on audiophile playback quality, library management, and multi-room streaming. Both target the same high-end audio enthusiast and music professional segments with similar bit-perfect playback claims and hardware partner programs.
• Innuos: Innuos makes high-end music servers and streamers with embedded playback software (Sense), competing with Audirvana in the high-end audio hardware channel. Like Audirvana's CorePlayer partners, Innuos sells integrated hardware+software solutions to the audiophile market.
• Sonic Studio (Amarra): Amarra is a Mac-focused high-end audio player with HQ upsampling and signal processing, positioned similarly to Audirvana for Mac audiophiles. It competes for the same exclusive DAC access and bit-perfect playback positioning among professional and enthusiast Mac users.

Broad incumbents

• Bluesound (Lenbrook Industries): Bluesound is a multi-room wireless hi-res audio ecosystem owned by Lenbrook Industries, targeting mainstream premium audio consumers with speakers, streamers, and a music app. It overlaps with Audirvana in hi-res streaming and integration with Tidal/Qobuz, but at a mass-premium price point and with a broader product portfolio.
• Sonos: Sonos is a large incumbent in the wireless home audio market, offering speakers, soundbars, and a music app with integrated streaming services. While not focused on the audiophile bit-perfect niche, Sonos competes for the share-of-time of music listening and may eventually move upmarket into hi-res.
• Logitech Squeezebox (legacy) / Logitech Media Server community: Logitech's Squeezebox ecosystem (now community-maintained) pioneered networked music playback with UPnP-style streaming to multiple devices. It is a historical comparable for Audirvana's combination of library management, network streaming, and remote app control, though now community-driven rather than commercially developed.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/audirvana
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCaEU69yF0iZXgy2uEMDpm6A
• Facebookfacebook.com/Audirvana
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/audirvana
• Instagraminstagram.com/audirvana

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Audirvana