the best, cost-no-object, music streamer?

For best SQ, I recommend to get a music server that has USB streaming audio output, such as Sonore or Aurality. With these you can add an external USB converter or USB DAC that contains a better master clock and power delivery to achieve much lower jitter than any of these servers. You can also update these devices as technical advances take place in the future without replacing the server.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Nd4 - I am planning on designing a version of my USB module using XMOS parts in the near future, that is if I can get some cooperation from them....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"Is there something wrong with my setup? should i buy a master clock?

has anybody tried a master clock, how much "less jitter" does the unit do the whole music experience?"

Most DACs can be improved dramatically by adding an external USB converter with a low-jitter clock. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of the digital system, not the DAC.

Lower jitter will get you much better imaging, dynamics and bass tightness. Wider and deeper soundstage. The more you spend for the USB converter and associated USB and S/PDIF or I2S cables, the better the result.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

When you said USB converter, did you mean USB cable from A type USB (MacMini) to B ?

No, I'm talking about a device that takes async USB as input and outputs S/PDIF coax, AES/EBU and maybe I2S to drive a DAC. Because it is async USB protocol, it creates a new low-jitter master clock outside of the computer or server.

This is what is commonly referred to as a "USB converter".

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Nd4 - not only is it a good idea for older non-USB DACs, it is beneficial 99% of the time for newer USB DACs that have other inputs. Most USB inputs are poorly implemented IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio