Most do perceive macs to be better (I know I used to). They have a long history in recording studios with pro tools etc. Not many audiophiles have compared though it seems direct a/b.
One word of caution, using a usb external runs on the same bus as your digital output can cause noise and jitter (its pulling off the same +5 supply which is carried on that usb cable to your ayre). Also I have had the worst luck with Seagate drives in my fleet laptops at work. I see many more failures of seagate than any other company.
Your right. Mac is much easier to use. I am writing this post on a mac for those exact reasons, fewer viruses less of a pain. Its also easier to setup with music for non technical users.
Speaking of hardware...I just built an atom based d510mo board which is fan-less fed with a power factor correcting power supply.It has significantly more depth than the mac mini (likely due to the lack of a fan injecting noise into the +5v supply) not to mention that everything shares a common ground with your computer when its connected via usb.
Your right about putting the computer on a filtered jack. That is important. Very important.
how do you like the Ayre btw? Looks like a great dac. have you played at all with USB cables? I'll be dammed if I know why but they sound different.... ironically some of the cheaper cables sound better than the kimber cable silver.... dont ask me why.
One word of caution, using a usb external runs on the same bus as your digital output can cause noise and jitter (its pulling off the same +5 supply which is carried on that usb cable to your ayre). Also I have had the worst luck with Seagate drives in my fleet laptops at work. I see many more failures of seagate than any other company.
Your right. Mac is much easier to use. I am writing this post on a mac for those exact reasons, fewer viruses less of a pain. Its also easier to setup with music for non technical users.
Speaking of hardware...I just built an atom based d510mo board which is fan-less fed with a power factor correcting power supply.It has significantly more depth than the mac mini (likely due to the lack of a fan injecting noise into the +5v supply) not to mention that everything shares a common ground with your computer when its connected via usb.
Your right about putting the computer on a filtered jack. That is important. Very important.
how do you like the Ayre btw? Looks like a great dac. have you played at all with USB cables? I'll be dammed if I know why but they sound different.... ironically some of the cheaper cables sound better than the kimber cable silver.... dont ask me why.