MHDT Havana vs Apogee Mini DAC ?


Has anyone done a side-by-side shoot out with these 2 DACs?

I am going to buy a Mac Mini to use as a music server and it seems that firewire provides better sound due to lack of jitter. The problem is that there are very few firewire DACs to choose from at the $1,000 or less price point. Has anyone compared the Havana via USB or SPDIF against the Apogee Dac Mini using firewire?

Thanks
Tom
tom92602
Again, I agree with Trebejo. I find that optical sounds best most the time. I realize this goes against what a lot of "audiophiles" think, but when using a Mac, optical works extremely well.
Interesting topic for me as I am expecting the arrival of a PS Audio DLIII today. My intention is to use the optical out from Mac Mini. I looked hard at the two dacs mentioned in the title but went with the PS Audio for price and ease of buying. Actually, if a Havana had been available at used price during my search I might have gone that way.
Soon I'll begin loading cds to the external hard drive. Not sure why but there is a definite lack of motivation to begin this task.
@Timrhu: Don't let it become a chore. Just feed them as you want to listen, and take it one day at a time. Hope your adventure goes well.
Timrhu: I'm curious about your post, didn't you sell your PS Audio DL III and upgrade not so long ago?
Here's my semi-automated method to rip large numbers of cds into itunes on a Mac Mini.

- Place the Mini as close to you as possible and get comfortable.
- Log in as you normally do.
- Make sure the computer is connected to the internet.
- Launch iTunes and go into Preferences.
- Under the General tab, where it says "When you insert a CD," select "Import CD and Eject."
- Close Preferences, but keep iTunes running.
- Disconnect the monitor and keyboard if they're in the way.
- Pop in cds and wait for them to eject.

Sometimes a cd will prompt you to choose a version from the on-line database. In these cases, you obviously need the monitor and mouse.

I've ripped hundreds of cds this way while sitting on the couch watching tv.

I hope this helps!