I'd like to post my first ever Audiogon post as a reply to this thread.
Just to add to the discussion and share my Computer Digital Audio or CDA :oP setup (I'm not big on the PC Audio term, seems...cheap computer-y).
In a nutshell, I have a Mac Mini with a MiniStack 250 GB, will most likely upgrade to a 400 or 500 GB one day.
I had a Xitel USB to Optical out converter I had from an early MiniDisc portable.
The Xitel goes out to an input of a Denon DVD-5000 which as AL 24 Bit Processing or up-processing which upgrades so to speak, the audio thats fed into its Coaxial or Optical input.
The Denon DVD-5000 serves not only as a DVD/CD/HDCD player but also as a great DAC.
Then out to my reciever/amp.
Very simple and the move from the built in audio analog output on the mini to Xitel USB>DVD-5000 was significant and a great upgrade. Sound quality is fantastic.
I use a Menu Item for Mac OS X named SoundSource which allows me to select on the fly either the built in mini audio out or the Xitel which shows up nicely in Sound Preferences panel.
A very simple and great setup which I'm enjoying very much.
And to add to the experience, of course, I use the latest iTunes, but also YouTunes for track and cover display and a few other things to turn my Apple LCD display into a Jukebox/server! I use Menushade to hide the Mac OS Menu bar at top and Backlight 2 for some crazy background screensaver action!
AND a Griffin Technology Powermate USB volume control knob which looks hi-fi and glows a cool ice blue at the bottom of it and controls iTunes volume, track queing, ejecting, etc.
I rip at Apple Lossless. Occassionally an AAC at 320 but I'm phasing out my use MP3s, I want the highest quality. HD storage is increasing and I just dont see the need for it anymore as I also want the highest on my iPod and really listen to a few albums at a time.
Just my setup which I enjoy very much. With a few clicks from browing the internet, I can turn my Mac mini into a Jukebox.
Want screenshots?! Thanks for reading!
Just to add to the discussion and share my Computer Digital Audio or CDA :oP setup (I'm not big on the PC Audio term, seems...cheap computer-y).
In a nutshell, I have a Mac Mini with a MiniStack 250 GB, will most likely upgrade to a 400 or 500 GB one day.
I had a Xitel USB to Optical out converter I had from an early MiniDisc portable.
The Xitel goes out to an input of a Denon DVD-5000 which as AL 24 Bit Processing or up-processing which upgrades so to speak, the audio thats fed into its Coaxial or Optical input.
The Denon DVD-5000 serves not only as a DVD/CD/HDCD player but also as a great DAC.
Then out to my reciever/amp.
Very simple and the move from the built in audio analog output on the mini to Xitel USB>DVD-5000 was significant and a great upgrade. Sound quality is fantastic.
I use a Menu Item for Mac OS X named SoundSource which allows me to select on the fly either the built in mini audio out or the Xitel which shows up nicely in Sound Preferences panel.
A very simple and great setup which I'm enjoying very much.
And to add to the experience, of course, I use the latest iTunes, but also YouTunes for track and cover display and a few other things to turn my Apple LCD display into a Jukebox/server! I use Menushade to hide the Mac OS Menu bar at top and Backlight 2 for some crazy background screensaver action!
AND a Griffin Technology Powermate USB volume control knob which looks hi-fi and glows a cool ice blue at the bottom of it and controls iTunes volume, track queing, ejecting, etc.
I rip at Apple Lossless. Occassionally an AAC at 320 but I'm phasing out my use MP3s, I want the highest quality. HD storage is increasing and I just dont see the need for it anymore as I also want the highest on my iPod and really listen to a few albums at a time.
Just my setup which I enjoy very much. With a few clicks from browing the internet, I can turn my Mac mini into a Jukebox.
Want screenshots?! Thanks for reading!