MaxSeven

I'm one of those that cannot hear the difference between "the same mastered track" on CD vs any other sample rate. I can hear the difference between a highly regarded SACD mastered recording versus a download of the same song from iTunes. I assume this is because the SACD version was created using a superior conversion method - i.e. the digital mastering was performed with more care. Then again, I could be imagining this. I agree with you your statements though, especially those regarding the urge for "niche" and the strong protest of anything mainstream. I always am ready to admit that I'm totally in it for the equipment and the technology.

Cambridge has that dock that will accept either iPod, iPhone or iPad and extracts the raw data stream. Pair that up with one of their integrated amps + the DacMagic (or something less expensive, which there are many of). On a side note, it has always baffled me as to why one would want to put a hifi in their bedroom? In our house, we usually are sleeping whilst in that room. I'd rather upgrade the system in our parlor/listening room.

What of the ViaBlue? Very nice looking. That's all that matters to me anyway - looks, pliability and build quality. All decent USB cables sound the same.

It isn't a waste to me. I like buying new audio components, and a fresh new DAC is always enjoyable. I don't care about the cost that much and the sound quality is secondary to me. I just assume if I am paying several hundred (or thousand) for a DAC, then it will sound good (not that DAC's sound any different from one another). I like having high-tech gadgetry in the digital signal path. It's like buying new speaker cables that cost $1,000 vs using bulk wires. They don't sound any different or better, but they sure look good, and the build quality is incredible. They also will last a long time and probably retain a good portion of their value.

Audioquest Forest I don't like the looks of it though, would like something more aesthetically pleasing.

I vote for Bit Perfect - seems to work just fine. Pure Music? I cannot get past the very revolting interface design, which looks like it was slapped together using what appears to be 1st generation Winamp style from 1997 (Winamp actually looks a little better). And that Icon - whoa! Who came up with this design? I cannot even imagine what the interface designers were thinking (or perhaps not thinking) when they came up with this GUI. No matter how good the playback is, I can't bear to have such an ugly piece of software touching the very pristine iTunes interface, let alone having it exist on my Mac.

I hate the term "Hog Mode." It sounds so jargonistic and banal. "Integer Mode" is starting to get on my nerves as well.

I'm with you Sonic - just bought a Mac Mini and a bunch of other shit to set up a music server, and I'm looking for the latest and greatest ideas. Many of the threads are dated, and are not useful.

Ya, I suppose if you are using the very inferior Windows operating system (chuckle chuckle), then the JR is probably better in terms of sound quality, but maybe not. I am aware of the automatic sample rate switching problem, but I installed BitPerfect, which is supposed to take care of that in iTunage. I still don't think that is going to make an audible difference. Not that I care that much anyway. Just poking fun about the Windows (I use Windows and OS X) and I know its merits. I guarantee though, if they do come out with an OS X version of JRiver, I will buy it - just to have it and play with it.

I'm indifferent. In my opinion, JRiver is just another tweak-crazy media player for those of us who suffer (or delight in) OCD driven micro-managing. No need for an OS X version. iTunes is just as good, in fact, it is superior in my opinion. Cheers everyone - first post.