Apple vs PC for Music System


I'm pretty familiar with XP owning both a desktop and laptop. But I want to put together a similar system to the Apple TV Setup featured in the Absolute Sound and PS Audio.

However when looking at PCs at a local store they had a windows media computer that looked really interestesting that I'm considering purchasing for just audio into my Levinson DAC. I was told I could use an iPod Touch to control this system just like I could an Apple TV.
Also this system included a BluRay Disc drive. The setup looked very cool and very hi tech.

So to do this system right, should I stick with Apple only like the Absolute Sound or a combo of Apple w/PC to do the ripping, or all PC with Sata drives like the computer store would customize for me w/I-Tunes/iPod running the show?
sgr
I forgot about software -

You can by a resampling plugin for Winamp, Audioburst FX. It makes a huge difference.

The Dolby headphone modes on PowerDVD sound far better than on any other implementation of Dolby Headphone I've tried (including Winamp).

PowerDVD even does a good job of playing DVD-Audio. It's got a few quirks but they do it better than WinDVD ever did. WinDVD gave up on the feature.
Dnewhous

I'm relatively new to PC audio and HTPC and trying to keep up with you guys.

Are you saying that the Prelude sound card (and its' op amps} is the superior choice for 2 channel PC audio in general (ie better than outboard DACs or reclockers etc.) or that the prelude is the best choice for an HTPC?

JPO
Guys,

Your missing the point... 93% of all recording studio's use MAC's for a reason. They sound better... ask any of my now converted dealers. They were all PC before, now none of them are!

Also 7 minutes out of the box and your up and running. So far the fastest I have been able to get a PC to anywhere near that preformance was a couple of hours.

Thanks
Gordon