Mmike84-
I am curious about your findings on Mac vs PC. I am not contending your results, but blanket statements make me wonder. Especially considering the different player software available for both systems (that do make a difference). Presently I am interested in the XX Highend, and have debated on dual booting a Mac to give it a whirl.
FWIW, I think toslink sucks, and the Lynx card would also fit into a Mac desktop. I use a mini because it is silent. From what I have read, the DAC8 sounds better with some of the aftermarket USB converters (such as the EA Offramp) than through it's own USB input. I would stay away from the Transporter because you need to use their player software IIRC, and player software is not all the same...
I am curious about your findings on Mac vs PC. I am not contending your results, but blanket statements make me wonder. Especially considering the different player software available for both systems (that do make a difference). Presently I am interested in the XX Highend, and have debated on dual booting a Mac to give it a whirl.
FWIW, I think toslink sucks, and the Lynx card would also fit into a Mac desktop. I use a mini because it is silent. From what I have read, the DAC8 sounds better with some of the aftermarket USB converters (such as the EA Offramp) than through it's own USB input. I would stay away from the Transporter because you need to use their player software IIRC, and player software is not all the same...