Mac Mini used as a D/A converter

The mac mini has no digital inputs that the Sony would hook up to - you'll need a external D/a convertor to do the conversion - i'm using a Berhinger deq2496 D/A that works great(better than the Minis output) it was under $200 - it will accept inputs from both the mac mini and the CD changer - tou may need bal to unbal cabling though

My bad as far as the mac mini having an digital input - the minis since late 2006 have this feature - however it looks like a pass thru when used in the digital domain (for surround sound)it looks like you could use the analog outs of the CD changer to a 3.5 mini pin into the mini - then the mini could do the D/A - or course this way the D/a is occuring twice (at CD and mac mini) I've looked extensivly for the quality of Apples DAC chip they use but there isnt much info I can find - I did find a Developer note saying the signal to noise is >90 which isnt great - I've found the Berhinger does a much better job at D/A than the mac mini - (much smoother and not "digital sounding")there are also other D/A convertors that are inexpensive and would do a much better job than the mac minis DAC.