Digitalmeisters - Thoughts on Olive.....

Have you tried anything yet? Just forget USB and find another solution as mentioned. I'll be receiving my Bryston BDP-1 and Lampizator v3 Level 3 tube DAC soon. Excited and looking forward to hearing that.

It's your choice. I wouldn't put it off though. Gain the experience. You might be pleasantly surprised and consider replacing your CDP sooner then you imagine. Doesn't cost anything to audition from dealer, or buy/return SBT, Sonos,..etc from local stores, even online (Amazon), or direct from manufacture.

I was in your situation about 4 years ago when I decided to sell my Accustic Arts CDP-1 and migrate to a computer audio source. It was a disappointment at first with USB DAC's from computer type cheapies to $1800-$3500 priced units. That was a wake up call. I realized I would need a comparable DAC to match, if not exceed, what I was accustom to hearing with my prior CDP. And based on your digital source I think it's safe to assume you're in the same situation, unless you're looking to downgrade. I eventually ended up with a Reimyo DAP-777 and Wadia iTransport/iPod (Apple Lossless) after being quite impressed by what I heard with a SB3. That served me well for 2-3 years. Now I'm currently looking for another solution, one that has a better, larger GUI and simple one-box design. I've always wanted to use my iMac/iTunes but still not convinced with USB converters, not that having my iMac on top of my audio system is ideally what I want. iPad is what I want to control playback so I'm considering the Meridian/Sooloos Media COre 200 or Bryston BDP-1.
I considered Olive in the past but didn't care for their proprietary design, SW (WIN?), and small GUI screen, nor the fact I'd have to re-rip all my CD's. And if I did use one it'd only be with a DAC.

So here's my advice; audition what you can and don't waste time with AppleTV and Airport Express. It's garbage (Optical/Toslink), regardless of the DAC used. Take it from experience. And since you already have a highly regarded DAC you're half way there. Personally, I doubt you'll find a satisfying USB/FW DAC unless spending over $5K (such as the Weiss). If you have a Mac or other computer I would try USB converters (Evo, Wavelink, Stello U2,..) to hear what you think. Your opinion is the only one that matters. This is far more subjective with sound, GUI, set up,..etc as well as system integration, compatibility then with other audio gear. You really need to experience it, hear it, see it, interact with it, to know if it's right for you. You may not like the interface, or it may require being wired (ethernet) and you don't have a router near by, or it doesn't have the connection you want/requires,..etc. It's computer based. What'd you think. ;-) Take your time if possible and audition, audition, audition.

Pubul57: No problem. Migrating to a computer based music server can be a daunting task with so many options out there. And as I mentioned the best way to know if it's right for you is to audition it in your system. A lot depends on what kind of interface and set up you want, whether it's multiple pieces with a Mac Mini->USB Converter,..etc or a simple one box solution such as a SBT. If you have a mac or PC I would start with a SBT or Sonos to hear what you think. These are easily returnable for full refund if not satisfied direct from manufacturer, also Best Buy. I would also try USB converters if there is a local dealer. Personally, I just decided to try the Bryston BDP-1 after contemplating some others; Sooloos Media Core 200, Linn Majik DS, Naim,..etc. And there are all-in-one play/rip/store types from Sooloos, qsonic, Sound Science, Olive,..etc. Lot's of choices, but I can't say what's the right one for you.