I use the AE with a Theta DAC. With a quality DAC I use an external HD with music stared at 320 ACC just for entertaining and back ground music when I am pre-occupied with other things. I still like to use transport and DAC when I want to sit down and listen. The AE works great and with a good D/A converter most people I have listen to it can't tell the difference between playing through the transport or the AirPort. I can still tell, so when they go home and I want to sit back and enjoy what I am listening to, I use the Disc. The AE and Mac are great though for random play list!
Which way to go? Airport Express or USB interface
I'm thinking about creating a computer stereo with my Mac G4 and some set of devices, including an SS integrated amp. I've heard from a few computer tekkies and an audiophile friend, read some forums on Audiogon, and it's hard to fathom which means might provide best fidelity--the Airport Express wireless method or the USB audio interface method. Some say the source files are most important, but I can save data according to recommendation. It is the linkage/transfer system that concerns me--USB (16-bit or 24-bit) or wireless. I can attach (or not attach) an outboard DAC to either, then run an analog in to my integrated amp--correct?