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Hi Chris, Thanks for continuing to provide a very useful forum to discuss Computer Audio as it evolves in many ways. Are you planning to update the C.A.S.H List? Notice it's a bit outdated (Remote Control Software company is out of business) and does not include some of your latest recommendations such as Tidal Streaming services. I'm using Roomie Remote for the last two years after my Harmony Remote died after 6 years of great service. I would like to read your thoughts on Roomie Remote and other similar remote software tools using Global Cache IP and Wifi networking devices to control IR / IP and RS232 devices. Keep up the great work. Ed

Chris- Thanks for a much needed article on networking. What are your thoughts on POE managed switches such as the Cisco SG200-26FP?

Ok, I have to admit that Chris had me going for a minute. I started with Chris must have lost his everlasting mind. I have invested time into reading all of the blogs and money into computer audio equipment and now he is reverting to Analog Tapes....WTF. Then I said this must be a joke......of course it is. Good one and nice fun. This is really the first time I have every fell for this, which I guess is a statement about my belief in computer audio. Ok...as you were, all is well in the computer audio world. Ed

Hi Chris, Thanks for the information on your network set-up. The information is very helpful. So just to clarify with kind of a text diaigram. Your set-up is: Cable from Comcast to your Cisco Modem (subistute for the Comcast provided rental modem) Cisco modem to Cisco router Cisco router to Cisco switch Cisco switch to Apple Airport Extreme base station (s) configured as a bridge node for wireless access points around your home I'm making some upgrades to my system and wanted some details. I currently have Frointer FIOS (Formerly Verizon FIOS) and I use there provided combined modem, router, wireless router (Located in the garage). I have CAT6A wire to my office iMac and to the family / media room with a MacMini for audio. I also use this network for work and we are starting to use VOIP with video. The VOIP is spotty in a few places using Wi-Fi (not a problem using LAN on the CAT6A, but running out of LAN outputs to use. As a result I want to add a WAP upstairs for use with a iPhone, wireless printer, Airport Express for Airplay to a Bose device, and iPad through out the house. Thinking about moving back to Comcast for more flexiability in my internal network using a set-up similiar to yours. FIOS is some what limited because you have to use their modem / router (Also other limitations in the video functionality). Thanks again for all the great advice a reviews that you provide. I especially like discoving some new music that you used for the last few product reviews. You have a very eclectic music taste....which is great! Ed

All- There use to be a CA article on the site that showcased Chris various set-ups. Needless to say this is very usedful. However, since the updated site I'm not able to find this article. Anyone know what happen and how can I find the article? Thanks, Ed

+1 Bill- As nice as the 1st. Gen Ipad, 2nd Gen. will add a few more features with a price drop as well. Ed

I recently purchased the Lifatec 3.5 mm to Toslink cable after recommendation from my dealer. I had trouble purchasing the $6.00 Toslink cables from Cables to Go simply because it seemed too inexpensive for my audiophile grade system. I have had it for about a week and will agree with the previous posts. The cable is not a looker, but works very nicely. I have to say that I have not compared it to other Toslink cables, only my Blue Jean Cable HDMI cable and find it on par or maybe slightly better. I will agree that there is a need for a high quality Toslink cable for the Apple and it's somewhat surprising that given the number of units that Apple is selling that no one has develop a business case to support marketing a high quality Mini Toslink cable before now for the audiophile. It was hard to find the Lifatec cable and they are a medical device company.

Yes, the Gefen HDMI detector seems to be the solution of choice for many audiophiles trying to address this problem. Most report that it's works well and is reliable. I also think using a high quality Optical cable is also a good solution that meets most peoples objectives. While it's not clear to me at this point, this solution may have better sound performance. Optical is reported to have less jitter than HDMI and therefore should in theory sound better. Thanks for providing this link. It helps tie the discussions together so that we can all stay informed on this issue. Ed

All, I'm writing this as a FYI and it maybe just me that had a mis- understanding and unreasonable expections. I purcahsed the New Mac Mini (2010 version) with HDMI with the expressed purpose to use it as a music server. That is, HDMI to my AVR (Audio Video Receiver). I orginially expected to use Plex which implies using my HDTV to display the Plex screens. This works just fine. Somewhere along the way I had the idea to just use Itunes to play my music using only HDMI to my AVR (HDTV off) and somehow I was able to make this work for awhile. However, lately I have notice that the Mac Mini did not recongize my AVR unless my HDTV is turned on. So the configuration is Mac Mini to AVR via HDMI and AVR to HDTV via HDMI. I checked several A/V fourms and many people have reported trying to make this configuration work without success. I decided to call Apple today and file a problem report. however, I was told that the HDMI on the Mac Mini was designed to only function with a HDTV and not directly to a AVR via HDMI. (Maybe others knew this already, but it totally escaped me,somehow). So: If you want audio (multi-channel) only from the Mac Mini- Use the 3.5mm headphone jack with embeded digital Optical to an AVR. Forgive me if this is a duhh moment to everyone else on the fourm. It was a ahh ha moment for me. Ed

+1...I second these thoughts. I also have a mid year 2010 Mac Mini and it is completely quite and cool to the touch. I would not worry about sound or heat at all. However, I have to tell you that the value proposition of the new Apple TV at $99.00 with HDMI and Optical output is complelling if you also have a NAS or sever with you home network. Couple the new $99.00 Apple TV with the new $2xx.00 Ipod touch or $500.00 Ipad and a $500.00 server or $400.00 NAS along with all the other audiophile components such as a DAC and receiver or components and you have a serious less complicated system. Now of course this approach has some trade-offs relative to the capabilities of a Mac Mini. Such as not having the ability to RIP CD's or play DVD's. You can surf the web with the Ipod touch or Ipad. But, if you have a server in another location on the network you can simply add a CD/ DVD to add ripping capabilties. So if all you want to do is get you music to your audiophile living room stereo this is yet another alternative to a Mac Mini. Of course there are many other alternatives as well, but after seeing some of the Apple TV's cabilities and price point I thought I would mention it for someone just getting started with a computer as a audio source.

Chris,<br /> <br /> Nice detailed review as we expect.<br /> <br /> I have to say the value proposition of the Weiss DAC 202 is not complelling for me personally given the price and the industrial design relative to other alternatives for the discriminating audiophile.<br /> <br /> Let me be frank here; the Weiss DAC 202 is butt ugly (I say this in the most respectfully way possible) and looks like a recording engineer designed the outside as well as the insides. <br /> <br /> Given your review it appears that serious attention was paid to the technical details to leap-frog the Alpha DAC. However, No attention was paid to the industrial design. Given the $64XX price tag the value proposition has to be questioned on looks alone.<br /> <br /> As an aerospace engineer the technical aspects are complelling, but as an audiophile the looks and industrial design are a real turn-off. I would not consider putting this unit in my living room unless I could cover it up with a lot of lipstick. Lets face it audiophiles are picky, detail people (ok, anal is the other word).<br /> <br /> At $6400.00 for a DAC (volume control) only, I would strongly consider the Classe SSP-800 ( http://www.classeaudio.com/delta/detail-ssp-800.htm) which has a re-clocking DAC, pre / processor, ....etc as a better alternative and a nice living room worthy industrial design for $7K. <br /> <br /> If Weiss Engineering target customer is the audiophile (Anal and otherwise) they should consult a industrial designer for a visually and Aesthetically pleasing facelift. I would advise the following for starters:<br /> <br /> 1. Make it audio component or rack size (Like the Alpha DAC, Perfect Wave DAC....Classe SSP-800....etc.)<br /> 2. Consider another color....like black or silver<br /> 3. Think living room component design. at $6k, I want something that I can be proud to look at and show off to friends and to help justify the price. For this price I expect the complete package...nothing missing.<br /> <br /> In my opinion it appears Weiss has provided a technically great design with a lack luster look. It's simply not enough to have the best technical design (for the moment). I would suggest that the value proposition and therefore sales would improve with a reconstructive make-over. <br /> <br /> <br /> Ed

Chris, Thanks. Any plans to review the new Mac Mini in the future? I know in many ways a Mac is a Mac, but It seems that the Mac Mini has a huge following as a music server mainly because of it's size. However, with the mini getting a HDMI output it's now a very complelling alternative to some of the other options IMO. I know some of the guys have concerns about noise with the internal power supply. It would be nice to have a detailed technical review that provides some perspective relative to other options. Ed

Chris, What is the reason the Mac Mini is not on your CASH List? Is it a technical reason or something that I missed in previous writings. It seems that all the other Apple / Mac computers are on the list. Thanks, Ed

Yes, you did answer correctly your own question and confirmed twice (I agree). It's not possible for a question to be dumb....a wise man once said that (paraphasring) ....."the measure of a man is not his specific question, but rather that he decides to ask a question". This wise person also said that "it's a wise man that will admit he does not know". I think this means you're wise.....

To echo and amplify what Egon said. In the beginning we used our HDTV to view as scrolled through our music collection on Itunes using some type of remote / keyboard / mouse. This was nice because we were amazed by the quality of the HDTV (Plamsa or LCD). Then the Wi-fi enable Ipod touch came along and now we can view as we scroll through the music collection with the computer and our audio components turned on. This is especially nice during dinner parties were music is in the background or is the focus. Just use a Ipod touch or Ipad to play your musical selections or select a intenet radio station. My friends are amazed at the interface of the Ipod touch and the connectivity to my HTPC. It really does open up a whole new world of connectivity. Feel free to ask more questions, everyone is here to share knowledge and experience. Most likely someone on the form has something that you can use because they started out at some point and some shared information with them. All the best on your path to "Computer as Stereo computer" Ed