@craig Good questions.
@jomonhifi OP: "Is using the apple computer a weak link...?"
Not necessarily. Things have come around (significantly), though not quite full on YET.
If you go with the Denafrips GAIA, inserting an Ethernet to USB convertor (as one example) will help tremendously. Sonore comes to mind. There are others.
Apple computer > Ethernet > Sonore > USB > GAIA
Again, one example for illustration purposes.
Also consider HQPlayer for a software solution. It plays well with iOS and Denafrips. [Audirvana was previously mentioned]
Another approach is to "isolate" using wireless. A DAC with a wireless receiver will address this.
Another approach is to go with a DAC (or a DDC prior to the DAC) that offers a LAN input. You will need to add a quality network switch to optimize this approach.
A standalone high quality audio server ($$$) is still the best solution for the highest levels of performance. However, one can achieve excellent results using a computer at this point in time, at a much lower spend.
@jomonhifi OP: "Is using the apple computer a weak link...?"
Not necessarily. Things have come around (significantly), though not quite full on YET.
If you go with the Denafrips GAIA, inserting an Ethernet to USB convertor (as one example) will help tremendously. Sonore comes to mind. There are others.
Apple computer > Ethernet > Sonore > USB > GAIA
Again, one example for illustration purposes.
Also consider HQPlayer for a software solution. It plays well with iOS and Denafrips. [Audirvana was previously mentioned]
Another approach is to "isolate" using wireless. A DAC with a wireless receiver will address this.
Another approach is to go with a DAC (or a DDC prior to the DAC) that offers a LAN input. You will need to add a quality network switch to optimize this approach.
A standalone high quality audio server ($$$) is still the best solution for the highest levels of performance. However, one can achieve excellent results using a computer at this point in time, at a much lower spend.