Is this a reasonable Audiophile Mac-based Server?

Although it is a very nice piece of equipment, I find it hard to believe that the USB DAC sounds better than a Transporter set up correctly using the optimal hardware and software settings for the Transporter and slim server. There are so many factors that make a BIG difference. For example, the TP balanced output is dramatically different than the SE output. MP3 transcoding is dramatically different than other options, etc. You simply cannot do a simple A/B test. The basic beauty of the TP is that it contains a great DAC and you eliminate more jitter inducing steps (USB, Toslink, etc.).

I have a SILVERSTONE ENSEMBLE EB01 USB DAC connected to my MacPro, i then stream my music via AirPort Express to my Cambridge Audio Azur 540v2 via Toslink.

My Question is: Does having my USB DAC connected to my computer before I stream the music to my receiver a good thing? I wasnt sure if having the DAC connected to my computer before streaming the music defeated the purpose of having a DAC. I have noticed that everyone else has their DAC connected to to AirPort Express.

Let me know if this doesnt make sense? Thanks for any insight.

Now that both the Wavelength Cosecant USB DAC v3 (now with ASYNC mode) and the Benchmark USB DAC 1 and DAC 1-PRE support 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of any drivers or other special software. I am having a hard time choosing between them. My primary headphones are the Ultrasone UE 9 and the Grado GS 1000. Has anyone out there heard both side to side at any of the meets??? Are there specific advantages of one over the other?

Someone is using a DAC as EMM labs, dCS,Zanden, MBL with one MAc system? how they connect it to the Mac?thanks

hi Newly, there are 2 options... either get connect them via TOSlink cable (in which case, you need to make sure your DAC has a TOSlink input). you could also get a USB > AES/EBU or SPDIF converter (there are a number of these converters aval.).

several newer DACs hv USB inputs. you can connect these directly using a USB cable.