Apple Mini 'puter as a CD jukebox?



I've ripped all of my CD's as WAV files on to two 160gb WD external drives and I'm thinking it would be cool to use a 'puter as a "CD Player". It would be really easy to use iTunes as a master play list, scroll, click, listen. The entire system ought to come in under $1000 all told.

The new Mac Mini would be a logical choice since it has two USB 2.0 ports for my hard drives and it's quite small and inexpensive. A small flat panel monitor would be required, and of course a wireless mouse and keyboard. The thing I'm not sure about is the audio output on the Mac Mini; not much info at all on the Apple site. Could you simply run a Y-cable from the Mac Mini to your preamp, or does it require an external DAC?

So, what would the system end up loooking like? I'm guessing:

- two 160gb hard drives ($110 each)
- Mac Mini ($499)
- BenQ wireless mouse ($25)
- Small wireless keyboard. Suggestions?
- Small flat panel monitor.. less than 15". Suggestions?
- DAC (I'm assuming it's required). Suggestions?

When all is said and done this could be a nice alternative, I'm not sure it'll rival $1000 CD players though. I'm intrigued with the concept of using a computer as a dedicated jukebox and would love some feedback/ideas/opinions. Thanks, Jeff
hack
USB Dac is really what you need also to get decent audio quality. Did you rip your WAV's with Exact Copy(EAC)?
Cytocycle,

I imported the WAV's using iTunes. Any particular USB DAC come to mind? Thanks, Jeff
Seems as if the mechanically simplest way to rig it would be to get the optional Airport Extreme wireless card with the Mini, which would be handy for internet surfing anyway, and plug in an Airport Express unit at your stereo location.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html

I can't comment on the quality/DAC issues, though.