I'd highly recommend you check out the Ayre QB-9. The downside is it's USB only, which is fine for your Mac - but if you want to use if to something like your cable box, it's not going to do anything for you.
Another budget option that I've used for years and still really impressed by is the Micromega MyDAC. A steal at around $250 brand new. It's a very impressive unit.
I agree with Atmasphere, I've tried to live without a line stage and never found it to be as good as with a good LS.
Congrats on the JC1's... I've also owned them for many years and am very happy with them.
Another budget option that I've used for years and still really impressed by is the Micromega MyDAC. A steal at around $250 brand new. It's a very impressive unit.
I agree with Atmasphere, I've tried to live without a line stage and never found it to be as good as with a good LS.
Congrats on the JC1's... I've also owned them for many years and am very happy with them.