WiFi System Upgrades


What should I upgrade (if anything) in the following playback chain?

I use iTunes on a Mac Mini to play ripped CDs (Apple Lossless) via WiFi to an Apple TV3.

A Cambridge DacMagic does the D to A and it then goes into my regular analog system (Sonic Frontiers Line One pre-amp; Sunfire Cinema grand bi-amping the Maggie 1.5QR speakers - which are likely to become 1.7i soon).

I hear a lot about other players besides iTunes.
The DacMagic seems pretty good even today.
Or I could eliminate WiFi by buying another computer and moving this one into the room where the stereo system is, using some sort of cable to go directly into the DacMagic.

What would you change and why?
randy-11
I had a very similar setup to start with  and upgraded the DAC Magic to a Schiit Bifrost.

The difference was amazing.

Still got the Bifrost, but also use a v-Link192 with spdif to into the Bifrost. Much better than using the Bifrost usb port.

Perhaps try a v-linkV-link192 with your DAC magic first to see how they coexist.

Regards
A +1 to Williewonka, I love my Bifrost multibit. Though I am using the USB, I have to say I have no complaints. When things slow down, I will also try to compare with Spdif.
The question is: To use Airplay or not to use Airplay.  


Before buying anything, try your last idea: move the MacMini and see how you like the sound quality with it serving the DacMagic directly.  My MacMini is dead quiet; the fan never comes on and I can't hear the hard drive spin up.   

Then I would try the free 2week Roon trial. It runs on the Mini, uses your iTunes library without modifying it in any way, and - if you decide to keep Roon - will provide the core technology for you to add an inexpensive end point where your Apple TV is now.  

Besides being a terrific music library interface, Roon has RAAT technology, a new and fast growing method of transporting digital audio from your server (in this case the MacMini) and the rest of the house when you move the Mini back to where it is now. This includes both standard resoluttion and hi-res audio. Remote control is available using later generations of Apple and Android devices running the Roon app.  (Free w/ Roon)

At that point you might look at replacing the DacMagic with a device that is Roon Ready and/or offers other features like DSD processing.  

Your system as it stands now is pretty good, IMO. ( And elegantly simple using the Apple remote app.)   There's plenty of iTunes (music player) critics out there but I ain't one. Also, Roon will run your existing config. It is compatible with Airplay devices. 

Well, 1st and foremost the ATV resamples everything to 16/48 before it even hits your DAC. Then the DAC Magic does it's thing (more oversampling). So, if you want to keep wifi in the mix you might be better off using an AirPort Express instead of the ATV or perhaps a streamer like the Bluesound Node 2 or the Auralic Aries Mini. Of course a new computer would be another choice as you mentioned. Good Luck.

Love my Bifrost Multibit too.
Yes, I've heard that - but is the resampling audibly bad?  Up sampling is often touted as improving sound quality...

I thought Roon was a subscription service?  I dislike paying monthly fees...