Highest Possible Sound Quality from iTunes

[GuillaumeB]

Also, it occurs to me that a simple solution would be to use a Mac of some sort, maybe with SSD, linear PSU, then USB to a Mutec MC3+USB, XLR to the Devialet.  I'm sure this would work (although F1eng had issues with a Mac + Mutec combo), but I am not sure if it would match a Melco or similar.  (does anyone know how good the SQ might be with this set up?)

But is there a better way?  What would be the ultimate solution?

I think this is completely the right approach to take. You know that iTunes is the interface that you would like to use (for a variety of reasons previously discussed on this forum) and therefore any attempt at optimising it and its output will yield some decent benefits. The fact that another non-iTunes solution exists out there at a comparable price or with better SQ is moot quite frankly. 

I just don't think you're going to be happy with either a Melco or Aurender, certainly not the Melco with the current range of OpenHome control points. Of course we still don't know what the Melco app will look like but I'd be very surprised if it included in its first iteration support for track ratings, for instance. Of course the Aurender is worth exploring, but again I don't think you will have the flexibility and control (and comfort level!) of iTunes. Or JRiver for that matter.

I think control points are quite personal things, and if iTunes suits you, then just focus on getting the best sound from that. There is plenty to do!

Guillaume

Wise words Guillaume!  But you do need to understand that my little brain needs to process ALL aspects of this one.  The control point is very important, but so is sound quality.  Would I compromise SQ for the control point?  Maybe, but I would need to fully understand by how much.  (which would require knowing how a tricked up Mac + Melco would sound vs say an N1Z, not an easy thing to establish)  Plus there are so many options, for example the CAD CAT could run iTunes, Roon, or anything else you wanted.  Although iTunes will always be compromised in the Windows environment.  (I did try iTunes / JPlay a while back, and got stuck with the ISO bridge or whatever it was, ran out of time, never bothered with it again, I must have another go at this one)

Then we have news that the Antipodes music server will run the Linux Roon 1.2, and one thing Roon does very nicely is pick up iTunes playlists on start up.  So you could use iTunes to mange your library, smart playlists or whatever saved as iTunes playlists, and your Roon equipped ultimate SQ music server picks them up, all good.

(It's no wonder I'm confused!!)

Well if you are happy with ROON then I think one of the best contenders will be the Antipodes DX running the new Antipodes 2 software. Why? Because it's an all-in-one solution with every component optimised (and with the "noisy" LAN taken out of the equation), it includes ROON core so no need for a PC or Mac in the signal chain. There was a slight issue around the USB output and compatibility with the Devialet and I'm not sure if that has been resolved yet.

My guess is that the N1Z will still be the best SQ-wise but it's a bit more expensive plus we have no idea what Melco are up to quite frankly, ROON-wise at least! These guys are VERY good software developers however so I expect their new CP to be decently functional on launch. 

CAD CAT is very expensive is it not? I'm sure it's bloody good though. Would be good to get a few more details from OAC here...

With so many options I can imagine it is very difficult to get off the fence...

Guillaume