how do YOU stream?


Since there are so many options out there I thought it might enlighten others as to the options available.

For example - my configuration

I stream my digital music (downloads and cd's) via my iMac (intel dual core processor) computer.

I use Front Row to control playback with theapple remote and iTunes to rip cd's into music library. For damaged CD's I rip using MAX.

The music is stored on a dual raid drive NAS drive to mitigate lost music if one hard drive fails

Network link is via network cable (faster transmission speed)

I connect the computer to the DACmagic via toslink (optical) cable

The DACmagic is connected to the amp via stagger Silver Solid interconnects.

Initial Problems encountered:

Not knowing the Mac too well, finding out that the toslink required a mini adapter that plugged into the speaker output jack required some Investigation.

The iMac is capable of outputting 24/96 kHz digital output by using the optical outptut and setting the 24/96 kHz output using the midi program that can be found in the utilities folder.

Please include helpful hints

Thanks
williewonka
Apple Time Capsule (HD/router) > Zardoz (hot-rodded Airport Express) > Pre. Use an iPod Touch for remote. Fantastic sound!
Oppo player streams all needed formats from my hard drives in another room via SMB/ethernet. No additional components in the main room.
1TB RAID -> Mac Mini -> ITunes (archiving) -> BitPerfect (playback) -> Kimber USB over USB 2.0 -> Ayre QB-9 -> balanced to the rest. Runs up to 24/192, with BitPerfect automatically adjusting to native sample rate.
Mac Mini > jRiver Media Center (new Mac Alpha build) > USB 2.0 > Meitner MA-1 DAC > preamp

Also

Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 (for radio and streaming services) > Coax connection > Meitner MA-1 DAC > preamp
Gateway PC w/Windows 7; JRiver + JPlay; ESI Juli@ Soundcard via 10 meter spdif into next room - into Esoteric G25U Clock/upsampler into Berkeley Dac direct to amps.