Hi Lang,
I rip with the drive in my MacBook (older white model), I use AIFF settings and like Tbg use Hog and Memory. The sound has been excellent. I did an interesting experiment. I have 3 identical copies of Dave Brubeck "Take Five". I burned one copy into iTunes, I put the same CD on my Sony XA5400ES player, and I put another CD into my McIntosh MVP-861. I started them at the same time and listened to all 3 devices.
I liked the Sony XA5400ES the best, but it was so close to the Pure Music I found myself questioning my eval. The Pure Music through the HRT was great.
The McIntosh player was noticeably worse. The highs were not as crystalline, the bass was not as clean and deep. Obvious loss in sound quality on the super expensive McIntosh CD/SACD compared to Pure Music.
Pure Music and the HRT are a phenomenal bargain when you their performance against the big buck players and DACs out there.