how do YOU stream?


Since there are so many options out there I thought it might enlighten others as to the options available.

For example - my configuration

I stream my digital music (downloads and cd's) via my iMac (intel dual core processor) computer.

I use Front Row to control playback with theapple remote and iTunes to rip cd's into music library. For damaged CD's I rip using MAX.

The music is stored on a dual raid drive NAS drive to mitigate lost music if one hard drive fails

Network link is via network cable (faster transmission speed)

I connect the computer to the DACmagic via toslink (optical) cable

The DACmagic is connected to the amp via stagger Silver Solid interconnects.

Initial Problems encountered:

Not knowing the Mac too well, finding out that the toslink required a mini adapter that plugged into the speaker output jack required some Investigation.

The iMac is capable of outputting 24/96 kHz digital output by using the optical outptut and setting the 24/96 kHz output using the midi program that can be found in the utilities folder.

Please include helpful hints

Thanks
williewonka
Oppo player streams all needed formats from my hard drives in another room via SMB/ethernet. No additional components in the main room.
1TB RAID -> Mac Mini -> ITunes (archiving) -> BitPerfect (playback) -> Kimber USB over USB 2.0 -> Ayre QB-9 -> balanced to the rest. Runs up to 24/192, with BitPerfect automatically adjusting to native sample rate.
Mac Mini > jRiver Media Center (new Mac Alpha build) > USB 2.0 > Meitner MA-1 DAC > preamp

Also

Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 (for radio and streaming services) > Coax connection > Meitner MA-1 DAC > preamp
Gateway PC w/Windows 7; JRiver + JPlay; ESI Juli@ Soundcard via 10 meter spdif into next room - into Esoteric G25U Clock/upsampler into Berkeley Dac direct to amps.
Meridian Digital Media Systems MD600 media storage to Linsys router via shielded Cat6 cable, router to office Netgear AV500+ Ethernet over powerline adaptor via shielded Cat6 cable, living room Netgear v500+ Ethernet over powerline adaptor to Meridian Digital Media Systems MS600 endpoint/dac to preamp. Meridian app on iPad controls streaming over wireless home network.