PC vs MAC laptop as music server

iMac for me. I upgraded the memory and added an external 1TB hard drive. Toslink from the iMac to the Processor. Works great. iTunes is a breeze.

Ripping with iTunes does not compete with ripping with EAC.
Playback with iTunes does not compete with playback with Foobar2000.

Keith

As a Verity Audio Parisifal Ovation owner and someone who recently set up a music server in my system, I vote the LT. I purchased a "refurbished" MacBokk that is used exclusively as my music server. I ended up attaching a 1 TB Licie Ext HD to get all my music copied and that is working out well.

Everyone I talked to before I made the jump said there is a "natural" compatibility with iTunes and Mac. I certainly have not had a problem.

Overall I am so impressed with the state of digital music servers, etc. Going this route has totally transformed the way I listen to music and, more importantly, rejuvenated my love for music! Since getting involved in computer audio my set is going every night and my wife is loving have such an variety of music that is available at the touch of a finger...

To-wit, make sure you have some money in the budget for an iTouch iPod to use for your remote control...its a must!!

Good luck, John

Re Tok20000's first post, above. The following is from Empirical Audio's Web site:

The USB Off-Ramp 3 provides provides a USB computer interface to your audio system with unprecedented sound quality. With support for 24/96 resolution and bit perfect playback from PCs and Macs it is simply the best USB converter.

Keith, with all respect for your opinion and knowledge, you stated that Mac/iTunes can't compare to EAC and Foobar playback. But you further state that you haven't used a Mac for computer music payback. So, theoretical concerns aside, what is your statement based on? Can we assume you have listened to these alternatives side by side at a show or someone's system?

Again, not trying to be a butt- just trying to learn more.