Computer system

Computeraudiophile.com has a ton of information about setup options. Chris there is very helpful.

My setup:

1) Drobo multiple hard drive storage system. Automatically creates a mirror copy of files in case one hard drive dies.
2) Additional external 1 TB hard drive that duplicates the music files on the Drobo through an extremely user-friendly program called SuperDuper.
3) Mac Mini that runs iTunes.
4) Altmann DAC connected to the Mini (through the mini earphone jack) via optical cable.
5) I use my iPhone as a remote control. It runs the program "Remote" which uses my home network to access iTunes on the Mini

I rip my CD's through iTunes as lossless (AIFF) files.

Total cost around $3,500, everything brand new. This setup sounds significantly better than my Naim CDS-3 which I sold for $7500.

Turboglo - why don't you use Mac Mini remote?

why don't you use Mac Mini remote?

Hard to see what you are doing if the Mac doesn't have a screen attached (or one that is off when not used).

Mozartrules - How do you use Mac Mini without monitor?

Kinjanki: I think that's the point of his question. He's assuming that I do have a screen and wondering why I wouldn't just use the Mini's remote.

Mozartrules: Actually, I can boot up the Mini and launch iTunes without ever turning on a computer screen. The way I currently have things set up, I'm using my big screen tv, a rear projection DLP, as my computer screen. I do this so I can watch Netflix instant movies through the Mini. But I prefer to avoid too many on/off cycles, so don't turn it on when I don't have to. I have a smaller computer monitor, but using it would involve switching out the cable every time.

Actually, I prefer using my iPhone as a remote anyway. It's probably just personal preference, but I think I just like to have access to my entire library in the palm of my hands.