Description:

aKode is a simple audio-decoding frame-work that provides a uniform
interface to decode the most common audio-formats. It also has a
direct playback option for a number of audio-outputs.
aKode currently has the following decoder plugins:
mpeg: Uses libMAD to decoder all MPEG 1/2 layer I-III audio.
GPL licensed and
patent issue in the US.
mpc: Decodes musepack aka mpc audio. LGPL licensed.
xiph: Decodes FLAC, Ogg/FLAC, Speex and Ogg Vorbis audio. LGPL
licensed, patent free.
ffmpeg: Experimental decoder using the FFMPEG decoding library.
Enables WMA and
RealAudio
playback. LGPL and possible patent and reengineering issues
in the US.

aKode also has the following audio outputs:
oss: Outputs to the OSS (Open Sound System) of for instance FreeBSD
and Linux 2.4
alsa: Outputs to ALSA of Linux 2.6 (version 0.9 or 1.x required)
(dmix is recommended).
sun: Outputs to Sun OS/Solaris audio device .
jack: Outputs using Jack audio backend.
polyp:Output to the pulseaudio server. Recommended for network
transparent audio.