fastdart69

I am familiar with (and have used) AudioQuest cables, and based on your post went to their website where I reviewed Dragonfly. There were also couple of nice whitepapers on computer audio that I read. Thanks.

Agree, no plans to use iTunes. Although I have most of my CD's already ripped to iTunes on a desktop PC, I will be repeating this process likely using DB Poweramp and J Rivers Media Center on a separate computer.

Thanks Melvin.

Thanks DEANO2

Thanks for your patience. Mostly analog up to this point.

Thanks Jud! A lot of good information and food for thought contained in your response above. Inf fact many of the posts have been helpful. Fortunately, I'm not in a big hurry and will be able to take some time to research and learn more before taking the plunge. In the meantime this forum has been very helpful and I'm sure to have more questions along the way.

Do you have a recommendation for a NAS that works well for you?

Actual products being used would definitely be helpful.

Sorry, what is DragonFly?

sandyk, I apologize, I know what USB is but not sure what a USB Regen is.

I've considered NAS but seems like many consider these to be complicated to implement. I would likely need help to install and get it working properly.

rn701, seems like I read somewhere that an ethernet connection would access files more reliably than USB. I want to keep this as simple as possible, so if USB 3 will be sufficient then that works for me. I hope to spend less than $1,500 on a DAC, would go as high as $2,000 if the additional bang for the buck is worth it. I would also consider gently used equipment. A lot of audiophiles move from component to component in search of the holy grail. I'm just looking for great sound reproduction!

Thanks Jud. I look forward to your post.

My PC would likely be a dedicated music server and not generally used for other purposes. What about an ethernet connection for external hard drive storage? I'm not opposed to SSD if it's better for accessing files.

Thanks. This would be very helpful and greatly appreciated! See my post today at 4:20 pm. for particulars of my current system and thoughts on what I may need.