TGoldblum

I'm using Pure Music, and since I didn't have setting correct on iTunes, it stopped playing my downloaded files. It plays my music ripped from cd's just fine. So I corrected iTunes settings, deleted the downloaded music from the library (not from the computer). When I try to drag the downloaded files back into PureMusic, I see that they ALL are in .m4a format!! Puremusic won't allow me to drag .m4a files in. These were originally downloaded from HD Music. Please help! Thanks Todd

I've got the Peachtree GrandPre, and I'm very happy how my turntable sounds hooked up to this. There are direct rca analog inputs.

The reason the volume when up and down is because I'm past my 10 day trial and it is supposed to do that until I purchase software, which I did.

I'm running latest version of Pure Music (preview version 1.84) and the dithering keeps dropping down on its own after 2 minutes of play. The volume level display on iTunes also goes down with this and the audio volume through my system decreases as well. Running iTunes 10 on mac mini with Lion OS. Tried restarting computer, software, etc - PLEASE HELP!

Honestly, I can't really hear a difference whether tube option is engaged or not. Still sounds fantastic

Ok, so I finally hooked up mac mini to Peachtree Grand Pre. I'm using Pure Music software / iTunes. I downloaded Fleetwood Mac album (self-titled) through HDtracks. Took a little adjusting with volume dithering on Pure Music, but found it sounds best at 0 db. The sound is absolutely breathtaking!! On "warm ways", the sound is rich, detailed, and incredibly warm. Part of that is my speakers, which are not well-known here in USA. They are Ambience planar speakers, hand made in Australia by the brilliant Tony Moore. So I give Peachtree the highest recommendation - couldn't sound better!

Going to be buying new mac mini and use as dedicated audio server. Apple discontinued the 750gb version, now can only get 500gb but with either 4gb or 8gb memory. They also offer mac mini server 500gb +500gb which is probably overkill. Question is: Is it worth extra 200 bucks to have 8 vs. 4 gb memory when use mac mini solely for music server. Thanks.

Believe me, after listening to the vinyl version, the CD copy that I have could use a good roast.

I agree that this recording is of extremely high quality and is one of the best sounding albums I own. Musically, it is pure Mark Knopler genius - absolutely beautiful, a masterpiece. My vinyl copy (original Japanese pressing that I bought when it was first released in 1979) sounds unreal, the CD version sounds washed out. Looking for a good digital version of one of the best albums ever made. I've played the vinyl record over 1000 times and it is getting worn. I will look for the CD's you recommended. Thank you.

Happy Holidays everyone. I will be ripping my redbook CD's shortly. Some of my favorite albums sound MUCH better on vinyl than on CD. For example, when I play Dire Straits first album (self-titled) or their Making Movies albums and compare to CD, there is day-night difference. Yet other CD's, such as Lyle Lovett, sound just as good as the vinyl. Anyone have a clue as to why some recordings on CD are so terrible when clearly the original recording was great? Unable to find hi-res Dire Straits download anywhere.

This is one amazing preamp/DAC. Sounds as good or better than my Anthem tube preamp listening to CD's or records. Just starting to play with the computer playback, and mp3's through Sonos sound almost as good as CD. Can't wait to hook up Mac mini and play hi-res through this beast! Thanks everyone Todd

Thanks everyone for your input. I purchased the Grand Pre from Music Direct. It has a 30 day return policy if I don't like it. I'll let everyone know how it sounds!! Todd

It is for sale at Music Direct, and says they will ship today!

Anybody out there have this one? How does in sound? Looks like it is either Peachtree or Benchmark that will work best.

Best DAC for $4k U.S. or under that will function as preamp for digital and analog inputs (phono preamp).