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Rick: Thanks for the prompt response and insights. I take it that when the data now enters my pre-pro via ethernet it's in the digital format (i.e.the state in which it leaves itunes and my pc) and the pre-pro's internal dac does the d-a conversion. The Marantz will pass through an analog signal without the a-d and d-a steps but, as you note, there is no subwoofer output. I'm not willing to eliminate my sub from my 2 channel listening. By the way, my system is comprised of an Adcom 5 channel amp, the Marantz pre-pro, an SVS sb13 plus sub, Jamo Concert 8 fronts, a matching Jamo centre and lesser Jamo surrounds. The 2 channel sound I'm getting from airplay is terrific. I just wanted to see if it could be made even better. It sounds as if I'd have to go to an analog 2 channel amp to make use of an external dac. For the time being, I think I'll leave things as they are. If I've misunderstood your advice, please let me know. Thanks for the help.

I'm new to the streaming world and have found this forum a great resource. I recently acquired a new preamp processor for my sound system which I use for both home theatre and 2 channel sound. When I got the new piece, I discovered it could stream audio from itunes via airplay. I have used itunes for years but only as way to load my ipod for use outside the home. The few times I connected it to my home stereo the sound quality was awful (due to lossy compression). With my new pre/pro I uploaded a few CDs using apple lossless and was blown away by the sound quality - indistinguishable from the original CD. I have now uploaded my entire CD collection, about 800 CDs. My itunes runs on a pc which streams wirelessly to an airport express which is linked to my pre/pro by ethernet cable. Am I correct in believing that the d-a conversation takes place in my pre-pro? If so, given this is a very new piece (Marantz AV-7005), is there any point in getting an external dac to further improve the sound quality? If not, and my pc is doing the d-a conversion, how do I hook up an external dac and what should I buy? Thank you.