Bob McCarthy

You've bitten off a tough goal. To keep the price at $1000 or less, you can only think used, but more importantly have to be able to sift the wheat from the chaff. I would suggest you look at estate sales and be patient. Fine equipment shows up for a modest sum as that market rarely prices things to the market. If you go to audiogoN the buyers are savy as are the sellers and I'm afraid your budget may have to be moved upwards. It's not the brand, but the opportunity to buy quality goods inexpensively that should be your goal. Bob

I think I am clear (somewhat) on the requirements now. Last question, does this provide future proofing, ie any issues with 24/192 or Blue Ray audio? bob

I have both an iPhone and a macbook, I get using remote desktop to configure mini. OK now I go from mini to DAC. I will assume there are DAC's with XLR output to Pre-amp. Got that. Storage, I can point mini at my large drive on the network, correct... and pick and choose what files reside on mini HD just like I do on the Apple TV by syncing in itunes. This is where I'm grey. Can I create playlists on main CPU and sync that to mini like I do with the Atv. Forgive the simplistic questions, I'm just getting my feet wet. does 24/192 present a problem storage wise. All of my HD audio is on optical disk, either SACD or DVD-a which I have also. lights going on, thanks for the patience. I just read your 3 part streaming set of articles. Gaining clarity. bob

Chris, thanks for replying, I do have a Mac with a big external drive for my itunes library. I keep all my ripped songs in apple lossless. I tend to mirror much on the Apple TV. The house has FIOS with a wireless router (I run my business out of the house). Connectivity is not an issue. I just don't want a computer monitor mixed in with the stereo components (not much room in racks). I prefer what I use to be stand alone in the stereo room storing songs/files on the mini/Atv for a listening session. I think your were referring to live streaming from the mac desktop to the stereo. I do video 3D rendering (creativegeographics.com) and when I'm rendering a project, I need every cpu cycle I can get. I could use the help. While I get old time hardware, I can talk triodes for hours, I'm a babe in the woods when it comes to setting up the optimum way to interface downloaded HD music. bob

I have a very good stereo sysyem and would appreciate some advise. I have a home theater with an Appletv (optical out) connected to a Theta casablanca and on to the sound/video system. I really enjoy the convenience of the Apple tv and the sound is satisfying for a theater/audio setup. I also have a listening room with my "Big Dog" system. Here I have an SACD (SCD-1) plugged into an Atmasphere MP-1 preamp (balanced connectors only) to a pair of MA-1 tube OTL's playing a pair of Vandersteen 5a's. Room is setup properly and the system is a joy. But I'm so enthused about the convenience of the Apple TV, I want to incorporate computer music into the system. No computer, not TV in the room, so how do I get there. I think I can use my apple iPhone as a control device if I go Apple TV. The Apple DAC is a no go. A friend suggested a mini into a dac into the MP-1. Not sure if the iphone remote will interface. I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to get to the promised land. bob