In OBS, enable Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source for a playlist, or Loop on a Media Source that plays one file. Then test the actual transition between two files: OBS documents restarting playback after the playlist runs out, but does not promise a gapless handoff. If silence remains, trace the audio from the source through OBS to a private or unlisted YouTube test stream before changing encoder or YouTube settings.
Choose the loop control for your source
For a playlist: VLC Video
- In OBS, add or select a VLC Video source for the playlist. VLC must be installed; OBS documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Open the source properties and check that the intended files appear in the playlist, in the intended order.
- Enable Loop Playlist. OBS defines this option as restarting the source after it has run out of media files. Leave Shuffle off if the sequence must stay fixed.
- Confirm the source is not paused or stopped. If its visibility or scene behavior affects playback in your setup, check that too.
These controls are documented in the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation. Looping restarts playback; it is not a guarantee that differently encoded files will join without an audible gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For one repeating file: Media Source
If the stream uses just one recording, select its OBS Media Source and enable Loop in that source’s properties. This repeats that file; it is not the playlist control for a sequence of separate files.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Test the file boundary before going live
A loop setting cannot remove silence already present at the end of one recording or the start of the next. Check the actual files and the output you plan to stream.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗗𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 – Designed exclusively for audio CDs, delivering precise digital signal transmission to a compatible DAC or amplifier for high-quality music reproduction.
- 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝟯 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗢 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 – Cambridge Audio's proprietary S3 servo system regulates disc speed and optimises data retrieval for reliable, accurate CD playback.
- 𝗚𝗔𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗠𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 – Enjoy uninterrupted playback of live albums, classical recordings and continuous mixes without pauses between tracks.
- 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟-𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗣𝗨𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗟 – Dedicated digital output design helps preserve signal integrity when connected to an external DAC or compatible digital audio component.
- 𝗔𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗦 – Robust all-metal construction and floating design help isolate internal components and reduce unwanted vibration for consistent performance.
- Play the end of one file followed immediately by the start of the next. Listen for leading or trailing silence, missing audio, or an unexpected pause.
- Run the playlist in OBS and watch its preview as it reaches the transition. Confirm that the next item actually starts.
- Watch the OBS audio meters through the boundary. If they stop moving, investigate the media source, file audio, or OBS audio routing.
- Check the OBS program output, then use a private or unlisted test stream and listen to the received audio. If OBS meters continue but the received stream is silent, investigate encoding and delivery rather than assuming the playlist is the cause.
- Before relying on the stream, run a representative preflight with audio and video similar to the real broadcast and monitor YouTube stream health. YouTube’s encoder guidance says, “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.”
YouTube’s recommendations help assess the outgoing stream and its ingestion; they do not configure OBS’s playlist. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guidance.
Find where the silence enters the chain
| What you observe | Where to investigate next |
|---|---|
| The next file does not appear in the OBS preview | Check the VLC playlist order, Loop Playlist, and whether the source is paused, stopped, or otherwise not playing. |
| The next file appears, but OBS audio meters stop | Check that file’s audio, its beginning and end, and the source’s audio routing. |
| OBS meters move, but the program output or test stream is silent | Check OBS output and audio encoding, then test again with the representative setup. |
| Local output has sound, but YouTube’s received stream does not | Check YouTube stream health and encoder configuration. Use YouTube’s protocol-specific instructions if you are using HLS. |
For HLS ingestion, consult YouTube’s HLS setup guide. A protocol change is not the first fix for a playlist that is not advancing or an audio file boundary containing silence.
Rank #2
- Dual CS43198 plus dual SGM8262 build a professional audio architecture, and the portable CD player also has HiFi-grade sound quality! At the same time, the volume is adjusted by CS43198, with 99 levels of delicate volume control, which not only achieves smooth volume adjustment but also makes the sound at each volume level clearer!
- The three-dimensional dimensions are only about 14413727mm! The body is compact, but the performance is amazing, with a balanced output power of up to 660mW. It can not only drive most earbuds but also connect to active speakers or other more advanced headphone amplifiers for further expansion, bringing you an extraordinary listening experience!
- The only portable CD player currently in production that supports USB ripping + recording functionality! You can save your favorite CDs in WAV format to a mobile storage device for easy sharing with friends and family. You can also use professional software to easily transfer music to your computer or phone, share across multiple platforms, and play on demand.
- The only machine with a 4.4 balanced line output among currently produced portable CD players! 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output interfaces to connect headphones; 3.5mm + 4.4mm line output interfaces to connect active speakers and amplifiers! Optical and coaxial digital audio outputs to connect external high-end decoders!
- Once the DM13 is connected to a USB adapter, simply switch the D.MODE switch to the "ON" position, and the DM13 will be powered directly by the USB without consuming battery power, which can also better protect the battery life!
Keep playback continuity separate from crash recovery
A restart policy can help recover an encoder process that exits or hangs; it does not make a playlist loop correctly or eliminate silence between files. A third-party provider guide describes an FFmpeg-on-VPS approach, while operator notes describe systemd restarts, a frame-progress watchdog, and scheduled restarts in one deployment. Those are implementation examples, not universal recipes or guarantees. See RadioTech Studio’s 24/7 radio streaming guide.
If you choose local OBS/VLC playback, the computer, software, power, and network need to remain available. A separate computer can keep the workload off your everyday machine, but it will not fix an incorrect loop setting or silence embedded in the media.
Rank #3
- 【Dual CS43198 DAC for Audiophile-Grade Sound】Built with a symmetrical dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC architecture, this Shanling EC Play portable CD player delivers exceptional audio fidelity with 125dB SNR and 0.0005% THD+N (balanced output). It supports native playback of CD/CD-R/CD-RW discs, while USB DAC mode extends to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD256, making it a true high-resolution audio hub for both physical and digital sources.
- 【Powerful 700mW Balanced Output - Drives Any Headphone】Featuring dual SGM8262 amplifier chips, the 4.4mm balanced output delivers 700mW @ 32Ω (high gain), capable of driving demanding full-size headphones and planar magnetic earphones. The 3.5mm single-ended output provides 177mW @ 32Ω for standard IEMs. With 106dB channel separation and <0.8Ω output impedance, the EC PLAY ensures pristine stereo imaging and precise driver control.
- 【Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC Reception - Stream in Hi-Res】Equipped with bidirectional Bluetooth 6.0, the EC PLAY CD player functions as a high-quality Bluetooth DAC. In Receive mode, it supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, allowing you to stream Hi-Res audio wirelessly from your smartphone to your wired headphones via the 4.4mm output. Transmit mode (SBC) enables connection to Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones.
- 【Active Magnetic Clamp System - Skip-Free Portable Playback】Unlike traditional portable CD players, the EC PLAY features an active magnetic clamping mechanism combined with Shanling’s proprietary servo system. This advanced design continuously stabilizes disc rotation and suppresses mechanical vibrations during movement, ensuring gapless playback with consistent sound quality even during commutes or travel. A physical cover lock prevents accidental disc ejection.
- 【3-in-1 Audio Hub: CD Player + USB DAC + Bluetooth Receiver】Beyond CD playback, the EC PLAY serves as a USB DAC for computers and mobile devices (up to 384kHz/32bit, DSD256) and a Bluetooth LDAC receiver for wireless streaming. The 3.5mm SPDIF coaxial output allows connection to external DACs or home Hi-Fi systems. Powered by a 3450mAh battery with up to 12 hours of continuous playback, all packed into a premium aluminum alloy chassis (142×125×26mm, 418g).
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for keeping uploaded recordings live. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; the cloud loops the files without requiring your computer or home connection to stay on. Files stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
That removes the need to keep a computer running at home, but you should still verify that the recordings have the intended audio at their boundaries. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Unleash the True Sound of Your CDs：SMSL PL100PRO dual CS43131 flagship DAC chips work in concert to meticulously extract every nuance of your music. Hear your favorite albums with stunning new clarity and depth—experience studio-master quality that brings the artist's original vision to life in your home.
- Your Central Hub for Premium Audio：Expand your listening possibilities with versatile optical and coaxial digital outputs, ready to connect to your high-end sound system or MQA decoder. SMSL PL100PRO CD player ensures a perfect, lossless digital signal, making it the ideal core for both your cherished CD collection and modern high-resolution streaming setups.
- Rock-Solid Performance on the Move：At its heart is a premium slot-loading mechanism built to automotive standards for outstanding shock resistance. It handles bumps and vibrations with ease, guaranteeing stable, skip-free playback during your commute or road trips. Combined with its portable design, it delivers reliable high-fidelity audio wherever you go.
- Carry 200 Songs on a Single Disc：Free yourself from constant disc swapping. SMSL PL100PRO CD player fully supports MP3 format CDs, allowing you to burn and enjoy massive, personalized playlists—up to 200 tracks—on one disc. Perfect for parties, workouts, or long commutes where variety and convenience are key.
- Total Control with Professional-Grade Outputs：Command your audio experience with the vivid full-lamination color IPS display and the included full-function remote. Fine-tune the sound with adjustable volume (pre-amp function) and choose the perfect connection: balanced XLR for pristine studio monitors, powerful 4.4mm/3.5mm headphone outputs for private listening, or standard line-out for your amplifier.
Rank #4
- [Hi-Res Sound with ESS DAC] Built with the ESS ES9018K2M DAC, the H2 delivers clear, detailed sound for serious music listening. It supports DSD128, FLAC, WAV, APE, ALAC and other high-resolution formats, with 107dB SNR and low distortion for a richer experience than standard phone audio.
- [Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter & Receiver] Enjoy flexible wireless listening with Bluetooth 5.2. The H2 can send music to Bluetooth headphones or work as a receiver for phone audio, with aptX support for cleaner wireless playback. Ideal for commuting, travel, office listening and home audio use.
- [64GB Card Included, Supports up to 512GB] The H2 comes with a 64GB microSD card, so you can start loading your music right away. It supports microSD cards up to 512GB and can read up to about 14,999 songs, making it suitable for large local music collections.
- [USB DAC, Line Out & Headphone Out] Use the H2 as more than a portable MP3 player. Connect it to your computer as a USB DAC, plug in wired headphones through the 3.5mm headphone jack, or use the dedicated line out with car AUX, powered speakers or home audio systems.
- [Zinc Alloy Body with Physical Controls] The solid zinc alloy chassis gives the H2 a premium, durable feel, while the physical buttons and scroll wheel make music control simple without relying on a touchscreen. Up to 10 hours of playback supports daily listening at home, work or on the go.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
