Computer output to DAC, which route?

I had to re rip everything into AIFF for my new Mac Mini......couldnt get the metadata to transfer from my original Windows Itunes to Macbook pro with windows via Parallels Itunes then finally to Mac Mini Lion Itunes (non windows)

The John Kenny MK3 USB to SPDIF is a stellar product......beats AP2 and Halide in reviews I see........no beating it unless you plump for a Offramp with turboclocks......4x the price and only subjectively better.

Try USB output to Audophilleo converter leaving in SPDIF to dac.

Wow! Just about everything you've posted matches my own situation. Even the desktop speakers. Apart from the MB outs, though.

If a good, (read really good) USB or 1394 DAC is purchased, ala Wavelength; Weiss, etc, that route is definitely a solution whorthwhile.

I use a Bel Canto DAC 3.0.

I've tried each and every route to feed it likewise files as you described. Ultimately using the Lynx AES16 PCI eXPRESS CARD and AES connection in conjunction with Lynx own ASIO out & either Fubar or JR MC (current versions), to achieve my best sound thru a MAIN audio or HT system.

Many of my posts on PC audio point to my above comments if you care to peruse them, or if you can presently. I'm having issues with this new site upgrade personally.

Each link in that signal path from the cable, interface, and output device & DAC will help or hinder your ability to achieve a great solution.

For ex. I could upgrade my cable from the Lynx to the BC DAC3, as I feel it is my weakest link. Naturally upgrading the BC DAC3 to 3.5 status would likely be as well a fine move. Thereafter, all of the downstream components fall into line for consideration to replace or update.

The DAC IMHO is the true key.

That said, each segment thereafter really does matter.

Final note.... Multi interface DACs are in general better sounding using one of it's interfaces over another. Mine is limited to 16/44 on USB I think, so for me, USB out is not a solution. Coax sounded better than TOS, and AES better still than any others. So it behoves you to experiement for yourself.... unless of course you select a dedicated interfaced DAC. Then only the cable itself requires messin' around with.

Good luck.

I, too, have found that the best sounding interface (for me, to my ears, in my system) is a good sound card. I use the ESI Juli@ and J River. What I have also found is that using J River in its native format (44.1/redbook) and upsampling via some good outboard gear (reclocking/upsampling and into dac) sounds much better than upsampling via J River.

Q: Coax or toslink from MOBO?
A: Neither

Why: Using either connection from the motherboard means you are using the integrated audio device. Stay away from that entirely and focus on a separate DAC or audio interface that connects via Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt.

The type of DAC/audio interface you choose depends on your current and potential needs. If you only do playback, a HiFi DAC will do; check AudioAdvisor.com. If you have even a remote possibility for recording anything or transferring vinyl, cassette, etc. to iTunes, focus on a pro-level Audio Interface. My vote is an RME FireFace 800 for those duties. It combines in one unit top-shelf D/A & A/D conversion, great clocking and jitter reduction, pro mic preamps, plenty of versatile connectivity, integrated mixing software, and one of the most stable and solid Windows drivers in its class.