How can I improve Apple iTunes through my system?

pe3046, it should be noted that the entry level g5 has pci, not pci-x slots. The other 2 models in the line up, as you correctly stated, have the brand new pci-x slots.

Brimac, there is still an issue with the pci slots in the entry level G5 since it only accepts 3.3 volt cards. Also the G5 is very quiet, espescially compared to late model G4. It can sit in the listening room and not draw any attention to itself.

My wife and I went to see my Grandparents in Albany Oregon, just two weeks ago. We drove to Corvallis and took advantage of the 'no sales tax' in Oregon and bought a G5. The middle model. The saved sales tax got us a really nifty digital camera. It had not thought to use my G5 as an audio source, although we don't have a high end audio feed in our computer room.

Thanks folks. Interesting thread.

You obviously have a great investment in your Linn system, so if you want to incorporate your new Mac G5 as a digital music server front end to your Linn system, get a Lynx Studio Technologies Lynx 22 which has balanced analog I/O and S/PDIF digital I/O. Depending on what you prefer, you can send the signal into your Linn control amplifier from the analog outputs, or into your DAC (if you have one) from the digital outputs. Most professional audio engineers love the Lynx products for their quality AD/DA processors which rival those of much more expensive outboard DACs. Lynx offers Mac OS X drivers as well for the card (i.e., full Core Audio compatibility). The Lynx 22 and its slightly more expensive sibling, the Lynx 2 (Version B), contain internal clocks for reducing jitter distortion and for creating a clear and deep soundstage. These really are great bargains when you think of the audiophile performance you can extract from these devices. Together with your Mac G5, you'll have something far superior to Linn's Tunboks.