Is this a reasonable Audiophile Mac-based Server?

Onhwy61 makes the point elegantly and succinctly - the issue here is not capability but reliability...

Onhwy61 makes the point elegantly and succinctly - the issue here is not capability but reliability...

a reliable connection that sounds like crap is as worthless as a unreliable one that sounds great.

Unfortunately there are no definites here. I have been using a wireless connection in many scenarios with absolutely no reliability problems. Evidently some have had problems. At this point you have many opinions but the only way to know for sure is to try it. An Airport Express is only $100 and you can get most of that back on eBay if you find it doesn't meet your needs. That is the cheapest first stab at the problem.

I did a listening comparison with several of the methods listed here (see link below for conclusions)

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1196311011&openmine&zzBruce_1&4&5#Bruce_1

I have ordered 9m of Canare coaxial cable which give me the following setup: Computer->USB->Hagerman->9m of cable->Tri-Vista as DAC. The Hagerman cost $119, the cable cost $102, and for $221 I think I'll get the best sound I can short of investing $1000+. I'll let you know what it sounds like once I get the cable to see if I'm right.

Hdomke,

Thanks for the link to your gallery...very beautiful work! OK, on to your questions...I used the benchmark dac with and without the AE. I felt that the direct route from computer to DAC sounded better. But, I didn't like the benchmark all that much so I moved up to a Wavelength Audio DAC, which I suggest to you if you tire of the Benchmark at some point. Or, possibly an Empirical Audio coverter to a more traditional DAC or a CDP with a digital input.

Anyway, I would suggest you run some listening tests trying different ideas and then let us know what works best for you.

Also, tweaking the computer can improve sound quality....I use Stillpoints under my laptop that sits on my rack, which has added a nice improvement.

I've recently set up my system similar to that being discussed.

I purchased a Mac Mini and ripped my CD's using Apple lossless. The Mini connects to a Bel Canto DAC3 via usb.

Other than the occasional drop in signal somewhere, somehow, it sounds fantastic.

After auditioning multiple pre amps and CDP's, this set up sounds better than everything I listened to in it's relative price range.

I just hope I can determine what's causing these drop outs.
Anyone been experiencing similar symptoms?