T-Bone - you are correct, the USB out is not currently configured for any consumer use or output. I don't understand why you think outputting the digital stream to any high quality DAC would not be a high quality solution. Or why the USB port on the same system or an Imac would be any higher than the optical out (OK some people prefer the coax dig out which this does not have - is that your issue?). Once you've got the bits - it depends what you do with them in terms of processing, DAC conversion, jitter control, etc...
AppleTV as my main digital source. Opinions?
Now that my NAD CD player is one its last legs (thru a decent but cheap DAC) I think its time to move on from CDs and take the plunge into a digital music server. Have an old iMac and wireless network - sounds like AppleTV is an inexpensive and user friendly solution. Found a 320 GB drive at Fryes yesterday for only $99! and have already started loading my CDs onto it. If figure this thing could hold 1000 CDs(!) using apple lossless encoding (non-lossy) - and a lot more if I compress the less important stuff (the wife's pop albums...) at AAC 224 or 320kps.
I played with the AppleTV interface at my local apple store and found it easy and fun to use and nice eye candy - looking forward to not having to get up and look for CDs and mess with those jewel boxes. I have this condition that makes it difficult to remember to put things away when done using them. ("laziness"?).
Sounds like a great solution for 300-400 bucks. They just came out with a 160 GB model for 400 - I figure I'll load all the CDs onto the drive before purchasing the unit. Going from its optical output to my DAC I think this will be a true audiophile/cheapskate/lazyman's dream come true. But I welcome your opinions.
I played with the AppleTV interface at my local apple store and found it easy and fun to use and nice eye candy - looking forward to not having to get up and look for CDs and mess with those jewel boxes. I have this condition that makes it difficult to remember to put things away when done using them. ("laziness"?).
Sounds like a great solution for 300-400 bucks. They just came out with a 160 GB model for 400 - I figure I'll load all the CDs onto the drive before purchasing the unit. Going from its optical output to my DAC I think this will be a true audiophile/cheapskate/lazyman's dream come true. But I welcome your opinions.