Is this a reasonable Audiophile Mac-based Server?

Herman, the experiment you describe was the first one I did when I got the DAC1 a while ago (I started out with a Airport Express and a Macbook with optical out)...

A better comparison would be

1. Mac Mini feeding Benchmark DAC1 via USB
2. Mac Mini feeding Benchmark DAC1 via toslink

even though this isn't conclusive either since despite what Benchmark says the DAC may indeed work better with USB. This isn't saying USB beats toslink every time, only that the Benchmark may be better with USB.

The differences between 1) and 2) were similar to the more recent experiment but even more pronounced. Similarly for the Airport Express which I also have. In fact, I was expecting the transport to do much better since it is isolated from the PC, but I guess that is not necessarily the case.

Certainly the observations are true for the Benchmark, which is the DAC Henry was considering. In fact, your experiments with the Altman are more of a singular experience, since Altman put great care in the toslink interface ;)

Also just to ad some information to the above experiments: I used a Glass toslink with a mini to regular toslink adaptor which works better than the Monster plastic optical fiber cable (as determined in previous trials.

Restock, maybe I missed it but I don't see where you used anything but a jittery optical out compared to the USB.

Restock, maybe I missed it but I don't see where you used anything but a jittery optical out compared to the USB.

I agree it looks like there is an excess amount of jitter in the toslink output of the Airport Express, Mac Mini and Transporter (at least compared to USB). But that is why I recommend to Henry not to got the Airport Express or Macbook to toslink route. By the way, I don't see why your source (Airport Express) has any less Jitter, just that you have a very good anti-jitter circuit in the Altman Jisco.

In any case, I would recommend (to Henry) to get the USB version of Benchmark due its upgraded circuitry and added USB output compared to the Standard DAC1, try the wireless setup with AE and compare it to the USB version. Best to make up your own mind about this and trust your own ears. The differences are subtle to say the least., but since the goal is to assemble the"best sounding Music Server regardless of price" it would be best to keep options open.

As far as the wireless 802 network vs. ethernet work debate goes, dropouts are going to be unlikely with an all Mac setup. you only might run in trouble down the road for playing back high rez 24/96 files. There I really don't see that much of a difference soundwise for 16/44.1 file playback.

Regardless of what sounds better, wireless is not as reliable as wired connections. I have two wireless systems, one a Squeezebox and the other an Airport Express, they usually works flawlessly, but sometimes they just won't.