MUSIC SERVER - HOW DO YOU............

As to cables, and this is what I have read and researched (but there are definately two+ families of thought). I actually prefer the toslink approach as it keeps the transfer of data as a light form. The RCA/SPDIF is an electronic signal and (from what I have read) more suceptable to environmental factors.

With toslink, I am of the opinion that one does not need to spend a large amount of money on these cables, that the connectors are actually more important than the cable itself (secure, prevent light leakage, etc). Obviously, since conveying the signal as light, the key is to not allow for a kink in the cabling.

Over the years, I have had many more problems with RCA/SPDIF cables failing (two times) than toslink cables (I have never had one fail).

I have also found no difference as to the cost of the cable and its performance (I have a pretty revealing system and can certainly tell a notable difference with difference ICs and SCs).

I’m also thinking to go computer based front end.
I have great DAC with async USB, so it is begging for digital.
After reading many forums here and on Computer Audiophile, I decided to get MAC mini and install SSD drive from OWC and run it headless with Ipad.

Can anyone out there who done that, please share their experience in details on how to make Ipad talk to mac mini. I have the wired router to three PC in my house that using hi speed Comcast internet. Do I have to go wireless first so Ipad can talk to MAC mini? Can I install wireless router in addition to wired. How to download the software to MAC Mini for the first time before connecting Ipad, can I use TV as a display? The step by step walk thru instructions and connectivity, ripping and playback software recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

i plan to add the ipad when ipad2 is available. I am currently using a full tricked MacPro for running the mac mini as a shared screen.

I have an acer screen, magic mouse, and wireless keyboard on the mac mini. You have to access it directly to get everything going. The you can set it up to do what you want but you have to set-up the permissions on the mac initially.

I can not complain about anything. I have pure music/pure vinyl working in hybrid memory/HOG. when I pick an album it is instantaneous begun. The sound is excellent through mac USB 2.0 to w4s. I am burning in the DAC-2.

next week I will get the impact Twin adc on-line for my favorite LPs.

I highly recommend the Logitech Squeezebox Touch. Nothing beats having access to your music libary instantly, in my case 350GB of music and counting. I'm able to stream flac files to the touch via my iphone anywhere in my house. This little device is pretty amazing, especially at its price. Its limitation is that it can only stream up to 24/96khz signal. Another option, is the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC with the network bridge. This DAC is superior to the squeezebox, for the right reason $$$$, and it's capable of decoding 32/192khz signal. It basically takes your audio files and directly feeds to the DAC immediately. Though I don't own one yet, I got chance to auditioned it at 2011 CES in Vegas and well, let's just say that I'm looking to buy one now.