iggypop

Also, if I'm not using an NAS would it not be advisable to use the Aires Mini and save a few bucks? It seems to have all the same functionality without the bridging to an NAS. I'm guessing the disadvantage would be that I wouldn't be able to upgrade from a thumb or usb connected external drive to an NAS without then purchasing the Aires.

Computer literate but on a budget. If a thumb can be plugged into the Aires and recognized, then I would think the LaCie Rugged Mini drive I already have would work as well. I'm guessing it might be slow though. Can't remember the specs but it's easily 5 years old. Thanks for the help! Any idea when the DS Lightning update is coming?

Thanks that helps a lot!

Thanks, that's what I thought. The MacBook/iTunes combo is convenient, but lower quality. I just did a sig upgrade on my hifi system so not in the mindset to compromise now. I'm just struggling a bit with some super basic questions. I have never used a networked storage device and anything like the Aires to connect to a DAC -- is there a dummies version of how it works and what equipment/software I'd need? My DAC is part of a Cary Audio 306 Professional SACD/CD player. Apparently pretty decent. Has standard inputs for toslink or coaxial or AES/EBU. 1. If I have a NAS, can I get my iTunes music to it? I thought Apple had made use of music purchased through the iTunes store playable only through iTunes.... 2. I do have flac and mp4 files outside of iTunes. If I'm using an NAS, what software is used to control playback and on what devices? I have the MacBook Pro and an iPhone, not an iPad at this time. 3. Does the NAS cable to the Aries and then the Aries to the DAC? Thanks for your patience with a noob!

I was just made aware of the Aires and it looks like a great solution. Question: will I be able to control the music in iTunes on my Macbook Pro that is streamed through the Aires and on to my DAC?

The Auralic Aires looks great. None of Auralic's literature that I can find mentions it's compatibility with Yosemite or earlier Mac OS and iTunes...any experience?

Great, thanks. That's just what I was looking for. A follow up question on the toslink: I think the Airport Express requires a "mini" toslink? Is there a difference between a toslink designated as "mini" and one that is not? Not sure if it's just the cable length.....

To get computer audio from my MacBook iTunes to my hifi system I've been using an Airport Express into the DAC on a preamp, which also had a USB input if I wanted a better sound. I now have a Cary Audio SACD 306 pro which apparently has a pretty good built in DAC. Problem for me is that it only has toslink, coaxial or AES/EBU input jacks. Don't think I can go from the Airport Express to these inputs, not sure the quality is that great anyway with Airport, jitter? Is there a simple solution that would allow me to stream over my wifi or connect a USB cable from my MacBook Pro to the Cary DAC? It doesn't seem wise to add yet another DAC in the chain if connecting to the Cary SACD and I don't have budget to purchase a new DAC that would be comparable to the Cary's and handle streaming (would like to keep under $1k). Hoping for a simple solution that provides good audio quality. Thanks for the help.