AIR 3 Beta for Mac

[Hifi_swlon]

this sounds like a very wise answer! when trying AIR3 will use a direct ethernet connection between mini and dev cause I don't have any router. if I manage to get it to work will invest in a high end lan cable. is there something like a jitterbug available for lan ports?

I would suggest, if you get it to work, stick with whatever cable you have to hand and enjoy it! Okay that's slightly facetious as I've experimented with USB cables and have convinced myself I can hear a subtle difference, but all cables are a rip off IMO as even if they do work they certainly don't justify the cost. Many microRendu (and other) US users are reporting good results from cat6a cables from bluejeans in the US, which are hand made and apparently well screened, come with a test certificate and reasonably priced. Something like that might be a good start.

You really only need a simple 4 port switch (rather than router) - you can get a bog standard netgear one (or similar) for relatively little - about £20 in the UK. I believe Guillaume has a more audiophile Paul Pang switch which provides isolation and isnt hugely expensive - that might be a better bet? There are lots of medical grade galvanic isolators about, and SotM do one, and lots of people on Computer Audiophile report best results using cheap-ish optical transmitters/receivers, the receiver being with a good linear PS. Lots of ways to do it. Whether its worth spending time/money, only you can decide.