Michel

I use the simple MP3Tag v. 2.49. It's very simple to use. You'll find you can't live without a Tag Editor (any will probably do) to manage your Genres and your double albums!

I use the USB output, through a Halide bridge (USB to s/pdif adaptor), which then allows you to use the DAC of your choice (I have a DAC Magic and an Audiozone NOS DAC). Compared to the CD transport, the sound is very similar. For some reason though, the pace seem so slightly more involving. The SBS works well through the PC, but it won't play gapless. The MPOD and MPAD applications work very well (I use both an iPad and iPhone) and will play gapless. There are no issues there, but may sure only one of your devices is active at any point in time (PC, iPhone or iPad)! My recommendation for your output is to go i2s if you use a Wyred4sound or a PS PWD DAC; that should be the superior combo.

I've been using the Sonore music server from Simple Design for over a couple of months now, and I must say that I'm absolutely delighted -- not just with the quality and reliability of the Sonore, but also by the absolutely outstanding service from Simple Design! I've had a number of queries (which is normal for a first time user of music servers), and these were addressed practically on the spot. Anyway, I'm rediscovering my music as I upload my CD collection into the server. I could swear it sounds even better through the server than thru my CD transport (though there's no reason why it should)! A word of caution though to potential Vortexbox users. You need to download a good tag editor, not just to file your music the way you want it, but also to allow you to manage double albums painlessly... Once again, great product and fantastic support!