Design a Mac Mini music server

Thanks, Amir. What DAC would you recommend (without breaking the bank)? Any thoughts about using an Apple TV as the front end for the Mac Mini? Or would sound quality suffer if I went through the ATV as opposed to the Mac Mini directly?

Lee

Apple TV also has a Toslink out in addition to HDMI so in that sense it is no worse than Mac Mini. The advantage of using the PC is that you have the wider choice of DAC interfaces including USB and Firewire.

On DACs, what kind of budget do you have?

My budget for a DAC would probably be under $500. I've heard good things about DACMagic from Cambridge Audio. So would I go USB out from the Mac Mini and then RCA connectors to the EXT. IN on my receiver?

I was also planning on using the Mac Mini to play video files, many of which are probably 5.1. Is there a way to specify that 2-channel music uses the USB connection and videos with 5.1 soundtracks use the HDMI connection?

For simplicity's sake, perhaps I should just go HDMI to the Denon for everything. I'm amazed the DACs on it are so cheap, considering it was such a pricey piece of equipment!

I am not a Mac guy so can't answer your specific question. Even on a PC it can be a hassle to switch modes that way on the fly depending on content. So I would agree with staying with the Denon and HDMI input. It is simple and convenient.