just starting - mac vs. windows computer source?

Thanks for the response Job. I also asked this over on Computer Asylum and have received a variety of responses that seem to conclude that either windows or mac can provide great sounding computer based audio. Most have indicated the devil is in the details and there can be significant gains by optimizing whichever system is selected. I have some reading to do before making a decision although I believe the world is heading toward more ipad type devices, and perhaps away from laptops, so it seems the mac approach may be more convenient going forward.

Thanks everyone, and especially Lewinskih01 for your detailed point-by-point answer including;

More relevant to your questions, I think, is you can use JRiver for Windows and JRemote that is an application for iPad to use as remote for JRiver. So you can run JRiver in your existing laptop and JRemote in your iPad.

This is an attractive solution for me since I like the idea of using the iPad as a remote and for viewing metadata information, but still being able to stick with a Windows based platform. If I were to do this, then I would be able to forego purchasing a Mac mini and I would be able to use my current Windows set up to begin ripping CDs. Your responses raise a couple of additional questions;
1. If I go the Windows route, what do I use to "serve" the music to a DAC? I understand I could initially use my current laptop but I would want a more permanent solution so, if I stay with Windows, would it be best to plan on purchasing a dedicated laptop and external hard drive storage for this purpose, or is it way better to find a Windows based server such as suggested in the C.A.P.S. articles? I like the idea of not having a fan in the system and I have purposely stayed away from any audio gear containing a fan. However, if I use any type of laptop, dedicated or not, there will always be a fan. Any suggestions, or is the fan not that big a deal?
2. Regarding DACs, unless I see something to change my mind, I plan on purchasing the new HRT Music Streamer HD, which uses

"high performance asynchronous USB transceiver, differential current mode conversion, and a fully differential signal path."

In addition to having excellent early reviews, I like the low price, balanced outputs, simplicity, and that it is designed by Kevin Halverson, who IMO has always been able to make digital sound like music. Even if it turns out not to be my "end game" DAC, its size, price, and flexibility will allow me to use it in a second system if I later upgrade to another DAC. At this point, I am much more interested in locking down my digital format since I am less familiar with that end of things, and would be less likely to change formats once I get my CDs ripped. I view the DAC piece of the equation as more of an audio thing (e.g., what sounds good) and I am much more familiar with that end of things from building a system over the years.

Good point about the DAC quality Ejlif. I do like my current MUSE player. I owned both it and the Ayre C-5xeMP, and had them both hooked up in my system (at the same time) for over a year. I finally sold the Ayre when I found that my clear preferece was for the MUSE. The Ayre did a lot of audiophile things well, especially bass, but the MUSE IMO was simply more musical. The MUSE is very even-handed and natural sounding with a wonderful midrange.

My thought with the HRT HD was to use it as a "starter" DAC and then move it to my outdoor system if/when I feel the need to upgrade. I like the idea of simply hooking up a laptop and having most of my stored music collection availble to play outdoors without running in and out looking for CDs.

Thanks guys. I have come to the same conclusion for a variety of reasons including no clear evidence that Windows sounds better and the perception that the Mac platform is easier to operate and better supported than Windows. The server hardware seems easier too, when comparing a Mac mini to the available Windows servers, unless you want to DIY. I am going to talk with Small Green Computer tomorrow and see if they change my mind but right now I am leaning toward a Mac mini run from iPad and a DAC.

Hey Lewinskih01, yes that was probably me discussing the LL2 Deluxe, as I used it in the "other" best system I have owned, which included the LL2 Deluxe with M1.1 monos. That system was so musical but the upper end darkness of the M1.1s simply left the feeling that something was missing. The LL2 D is a long-time keeper.

Hello all, this decision has been like peeling back layers of an onion.

On the surface, just about anyone can benefit from the flexibility, convenience and "good" sound of computer audio by simply downloading a player, burning their CDs using their existing computer equipment (Mac or Windows) and running their existing laptop or computer through a reasonably priced DAC.

If your goals are to have a bit higher quality, using dedicated audio hardware, it seems a music server is the way to go. Apparently sound quality approaching all but the best CD players can be achieved using hardware like a reasonably priced Mac mini or a dedicated desktop (or even a dedicated laptop) with external storage.

If your system is already very good, it seems the first two levels may not be the end game. In this case, a higher quality Mac mini with SSD and at least 8GB RAM must be considered or a higher level Windows based server such as one of the CAPS models. A suitable Mac mini with USB super drive can be had for about $1,200 and the already constructed CAPS servers I have looked at seem to be about $1,500 for a similar level of performance, including 256GB SSD and Audio Class 2.0 drivers. The CAPS v.3 Carbon offers the benefit of having no fan but the mini would come with more memory 8GB vs. 4GB in the Carbon. I have not yet read any comparisons between the i7 quad processor in the Mac and the processor used in the CAPS Carbon. External storage would add anywhere from about $500 to $1K with either of these options.

I strongly suspect I will need at least this third level to achieve the sound I have from my system now. Therefore, it appears at a minimum I need to plan on $1.5K plus the costs of external storage and a DAC (probably around $3K total) just to jump in at a level where I will be satisfied.

Going forward, there seems to be another whole level to the servers that I cannot find too much information about. On the Mac side, folks like Mojo Audio and Core Audio Technology will provide anything from kit power supply upgrades to whole unit upgrades for prices ranging from about $900 to around $2K. Either Core Audio or Mojo will sell you the whole deal for the ballpark of $3K. On the Windows side, options include the top CAPS v.3 Zuma (about $2,200 with 8GB and 256GB SSD) and/or the addition of the Red Wine Audio Black Lightning power supply (about $1,200 with two battery packs), which can be added to either the Carbon or Zuma. Therefore, to achieve this higher level, I would be investing in the ballpark of $3K, or north, plus the cost of the DAC, plus the cost of external storage, regardless of whether I choose Mac or Windows.

I may be over thinking this, but it is something I prefer to plan once and execute, rather than going the "small steps trial and error" method I used to assemble my system.

Lewinskih01, this research has been a learning experience and the choice is difficult because each system had its advantages and it seems they are equally good sonically, when set-up properly. I don't mind paying a bit more to get the level of server I want up front, but I only want to go through the decision once.

For reasons of compatibility, I would prefer to stay with an all Windows based system but when I compare the server options it seems that a similar level CAPS server is significantly more expensive than even a very good Mac mini and, in addition, the CAPS gear seems to be tweakier with the variety of connections, power, etc. No question, the Zuma with Red Wine PS looks very good but I would be looking at about $3,400 for that combination while I can get, directly from Mac, a brand new mini i7 2.6 GHz quad core with 256GB SSD and 8GB memory for a flat $1,300, which is $900 less than the CAPS Zuma alone, without the Red Wine PS. The Mac is well-supported, can be configured at the factory exactly as I need, and seems to have a wider following.

Regarding power upgrades to the Mac, I have learned power supply improvements yield huge dividends in most audio gear, and everything in my system has an outstanding power supply. Therefore, it does go against my grain to consider that I wouldn't upgrade the stock switch mode supply and fan in the Mac. However, you are correct, the threads about Core Audio and Mojo indicate there are issues. I also don't like the idea of voiding the Mac warranty by changing the power supply. Therefore, I think it may be best to stay away from PS upgrade options, especially since most users apparently find the stock Mac mini PS works just fine, without those upgrades.

Unless I learn something different, as much as I would like to consider a windows server, the Mac mini option seems better for me except for compatibility and power supply issues. If the power supply were such a big deal, I doubt so many with high end systems would use the mini as their digital audio server. I haven't made a final decision but I am leaning toward the Mac.