There are a few shortcomings of the AE not yet mentioned. The DAC in the AE (which you would be using if you went straight from the AE to your preamp or integrated amp) is mediocre in comparison to a decent outboard DAC (at least that is the case in my system). Alternatively, with the AE, the ONLY way you you can connect to an outboard DAC is via a Toslink (optical) cable - actually it's not an ordinary Toslink, but one with a special mini-connector on one end. Toslink/optical seems to be the least desirable of the means of digital connection, with Coaxial methods being preferred by many as the better way to stream digital info. Indeed the USB route is limited to 16 bit (redbook CD). But then again some of the best DAC's are designed (intentionally) for 16 bit so I would not concern yourself over it.
If distance is not an issue (from your computer to your system), I'd suggest a USB DAC like the Benchmark, or use a USB convertor like the Waveterminal U24 which hooks up to your computer via USB and goes to your DAC via a coaxial connection. I use this solution and cannot tell it from my transport.
Marco
If distance is not an issue (from your computer to your system), I'd suggest a USB DAC like the Benchmark, or use a USB convertor like the Waveterminal U24 which hooks up to your computer via USB and goes to your DAC via a coaxial connection. I use this solution and cannot tell it from my transport.
Marco