Is this a reasonable Audiophile Mac-based Server?

I'm considering a Mac based server w/ outboard DAC, and just read in the current issue of Stereophile; Manufacturer's Comment from Benchmark Media Systems concerning "iTunes 7.5 bug" that sounds suspiciously like S789f's dropout problem....can anybody help with experience on the iTunes 7.5 (Mac updates automatically) so a heads up is worthwhile.

If you follow Benchmark's suggestions for setting the Audio Midi sampling frequency before opening itunes (check Benchmark website), then there should not be a problem. Also, Gordon Rankin of Wavelenth has been checking this by doing detailed measurements and could not verify a serious problem with itunes.

i just went to the benchmark and read that article. it seems mac has already done an update. i'm running itunes 7.6 with leopard which is current.

just ran 2 dedicated circuits from my panel. circuit 1 to the stereo the other to the mac.

STILL THE OCCASIONAL DROP OUT! WTF!

7" usb. i tried a couple cables. no luck

S789f: i believe you're experiencing a 'clocking' issue. i had this same problem when i 1st hooked up my Mac mini to my Emm Labs DCC2. problem was gone once i activated Emm Lab's master clock function. unfortunately, i'm not familiar with the Bel Canto DAC3 & therefore not able to offer you more advice.

S789f, have you checked if iTunes - which I suppose you use - is set up to download album pictures automatically? I had occasionally drop outs, but when I unchecked this option in the preferences, they disappeared.