Tom80112

Some wondered what sort of system I would be using so as to gauge the level of performance I might be expecting. My system includes a Havana Tube DAC, Naim XS integrated amp, B&W Matrix 803 speakers and Analysis Plus Solo Crystal cabling. I prefer a warmer "analogue-like" sound with good rhythm, pace, and timing. I prefer emotion and good decay times in music over detail. IE: I have no issue giving up some detail for emotion. I mentioned the Dell Zino and Mac Mini setups such that the folks here could guide me to the Zino or Mini based upon my above preferences. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Thanks for all the info so far. I know this might seem like a controversial subject but I have to think there are other people like me who can't make up there minds on Windows vs Mac music servers. This is very interesting about the Kernel Streaming. I spoke of WASAPI and JamesRiver for a music server only because they seem to be the most talked about. It seems really odd that bit-perfect from a Mac could sound any different than bit-perfect from a Windows7 box if both are fed async to a USB DAC but since I hear great differences in power cords, I am ready to cast all notions aside.

Hey all, I've been researching music servers and can't decide which way to go. I read some posts which say a Windows7 Music server in WASAPI mode sounds every bit as good as a Mac Mini yet so many people use the Mac Mini. Some people claim the Mac Mini sounds better than a Windows7 box. Some people claim Windows7 sounds warmer and that Macs sound more analytical. Has anyone done a shootout recently comparing the New Mac Mini using Pure Music to a Windows7 machine using James River in WASAPI mode?? Specifically I was thinking of either: 1. New Mini/4GB/SSD/Pure Music using USB to my DAC. 2. Dell Zino DualCore/4GB/SSD/JamesRiver in WASAPI mode using USB. I have to admit that I prefer windows but I would buy a Mac if it produced better sound. Thanks, The Fence Sitter

Gordon: Title says it all: Release date for Wavelink? Price? Is it Compatible with Windows7?

Has anyone compared the Art Legato, Halide Bridge,and Hiface? Can anyone share their opinion of how they differed in sound? I read in a post on this site that the Halide Bridge sounds a bit lean which doesn't seem like a good quality..?? I haven't decided yet on MacMini vs Win7 PC. Will this matter when selecting a USB->spdif converter?? Thanks..

Jon- Thanks for the tip on the Stello not having anti-jitter features like the Hiface. I have a MHDT Havana which benefits greatly from devices that reduce jitter so I will cross the Stello off my list. I only listen to Redbook WAV files so I will look at the other choices you list.. (Art Legato or the Halide Design Bridge) If I'm reading you right, it sounds like you think the Art Legato or the Halide Design Bridge may be a better choice than the Hiface since I only listen to Redbook WAV files.

Has anyone tried Hiface and U2 and could comment on how they sound different? Is one of these products clearly better? Thanks..