If you are using the AirPort Express to drive a NOS DAC, then jitter is usually an issue. NOS DACs usually use older D/A chips, which have very little jitter suppression, if any. The Altmann does have jitter reduction, but will still benefit from a low-jitter input. Adding a reclocker between the AE and the DAC is what I would recommend for your first improvement

This is the order that I put on source improvements:

1) lower the jitter
2) improve the D/A - use NOS or equivalent
3) improve the volume control method/preamp

Steve N.

I felt this to be the potential weak link as well, however after rereading the OP you will note he is feeding the big rig directly from the Mac.

RG

Quote:
I felt this to be the potential weak link as well, however after rereading the OP you will note he is feeding the big rig directly from the Mac.

RG

If that's the case, then the Mac-Mini -> DAC connection can benefit from reclocking as well. This is what Dave Clark, editor of Positive-Feedback has done for the last 6 months.

Steve N.