I ended up returning it. Didn't have a chance to try USB drive. The constant rebuffering issue and unappealing GUI was a turn off.
The problem was most likely with the wireless/network, not the iMac. I did some rearrangement with the AE/AEBS devices which seemed to improve the signal strength/reach but not enough for the location of the audio system/SBT. I could see the readings on my iMac (Option Click Airport Icon) and there was definitely a drop/change with RSSI, Transmit Rate, MCS Index, although I have no idea what they mean, only that it's stronger in one area and not the other. Adding an AE close by didn't help either.
I haven't decided on a music server solution yet. My system is going through changes and I want to try USB converters again. I had ordered a Wadia 171iTransport but got tired of the delays/excuses. In the meantime I'm using my Marantz BD8002 as a CDT.
The problem was most likely with the wireless/network, not the iMac. I did some rearrangement with the AE/AEBS devices which seemed to improve the signal strength/reach but not enough for the location of the audio system/SBT. I could see the readings on my iMac (Option Click Airport Icon) and there was definitely a drop/change with RSSI, Transmit Rate, MCS Index, although I have no idea what they mean, only that it's stronger in one area and not the other. Adding an AE close by didn't help either.
I haven't decided on a music server solution yet. My system is going through changes and I want to try USB converters again. I had ordered a Wadia 171iTransport but got tired of the delays/excuses. In the meantime I'm using my Marantz BD8002 as a CDT.