Next step

Posted by: Hutton1969 on 08 June 2011

I would greatly appreciate some suggestions for upgrading the streaming components of my system which currently consists of XS, Apple AE, Dacmagic, Spendor A5. I intend to add a FC. My firm preference is to keep using ITunes (lossless files).

Posted on: 08 June 2011 by winkyincanada

Try losing the AE. Get a Mac Mini and run it headless. Use an iPad as a controller for iTunes. Connect to the DAC Magic with a USB-SPDIF convertor like a Halide Bridge (or does the DAC Magic accept USB direct?).

Posted on: 11 June 2011 by Hutton1969

As a newcomer to streaming there appears to be a myriad of choices. The Mac Mini/USB-SPDIF combination is one possibility (costs about £1,000) but it will be difficult to demo the sound quality before purchase. In my case I am looking to replace my windows lap top with a Mac device, possibly an Imac because Ipad has effectively replaced the laptop for portable requirements. The other choices look to be more in the wireless direction (Qute ?) which would work well with my Nait XS. I suspect I am heading in the direction of the Naim DAC but still have the question of which wireless device I should use in place of the AE.

Posted on: 16 June 2011 by Hutton1969

I am investigating using a Mac Mini headless to control iTunes. As the Mac Mini does not have a screen, mouse or key pad, I would greatly appreciate suggestions for which App will enable me to use an iPad to control all of the Mac Mini's functions.