iMac far from audo rack - any suggestions?

To go from Imac to a remote DAC, you can use an Airport Express.
That's what I do. I run the AE to a Cambridge CA840c using Toslink.
The AE output is either USB for printer only...apparently and the miniplug which is either earbuds / cable +splitter OR mini Toslink. EITHER from that port.
ONLY fly in the ointment is the clocking from the AE is a little wacky. My CA doesn't like it and no matter what I send it, it periodically goes out of synch.
CA has sent me the 'fix' in software for there player. I now have to nerve up and use my Serial Null-Modem cable to make the connection and use the software package CA sent me. As an aside, the dealer I bought from wanted to CHARGE me to do the upgrade!

Does the static sound Ejlif gets really glassy and like a finger nail on a chalk board? Never in the same place twice on same tune?
COULD BE your DA simply doesn't like the AE or other Apple clocking. I think the clocking may be the issue, NOT 'static'. Consult your DA's maker for any software or upgrade.

I think people should start putting the heat to APPLE since I thought I was the ONLY ONE to have such difficulties.

Mini tos out and in to both with provide a good digital signal. Other option is to use and Airport Express and beam it wirelessly to the AE and use the AE/s digital out and in to your dac. This is my case now, I bypass the computer dac and goes straight in to my audio dac. Sounds great. A used AE is only 79 bucks at apple, but you also can get a long tos cord for cheap. There are some limitations to tos vs coax digital to think about too.

I use IMac to LAN to headless MacMini to Dac, etc.

Hi, I have the M2Tech HiFace and it is outstanding, but in your case you may be interested to know that they have a new product just around the corner USB --> XLR. It is a separated box requiring a USB cable but you have an XLR on the output, great for longer runs of cable. Also I have used Amarra, Pure Music and Pure Vinyl. IMHO, PM is the better product, it does more and it sounds better (to my ears) and it set me back $129.00 vs $nearly a $1k for Amarra (the full blown version capable of 192kHZ) the lite version is I believe $395 and limited to 96khz. Just food for thought, hope it helps.

Thanks a lot for your responses, a lot of options out there!

I tend to like the use of Airport Express thru MiniToslink output and feed my Reimyo from the Toslink IN option.

Interesting info about Amarra vs Pure Music, I will just try the later and learn what happens.

Is there anything like an Minitoslink -> Toslink adapter? I mention this because I have just invested in a Wireworld Toslink cable that I like a lot.