Just bought my first MAC Mini to mainly use as a media center. It will be in the living room. Connected to the flat screen TV (not purchased yet) and the stereo.

I have a large file of music (1000s of CDs ripped into iTunes) and want the best sound quality. I like the idea of being able to convert files up to 192 because new true high def versions of albums are just starting to become available for download/purchase.

I have a great stereo (B&W nautilus speakers and other great gear) and want an outboard DAC.

First post here and looking for advice. First, what I wish to end up with is a way to digitally play about 1000 CD's in their original form. Second, I'm very new to all this and don't know much of the terminology. Third, I'd like to keep my upgrade budget under $3000 if possible.

Happy Halloween!

In the spirit of the holiday, let's say you are going to assemble the ultimate speaker from parts of other speakers.

Conceptually, what parts would you rob from the morgue?

I'll go midrange a la Lowther (Quad is there, but Lowther captures the frisson of live better, for me.)

For the highs, I'll say....Apogee ribbons.

For the lows...I like fast and lean...an Acoustat 2+2 or two on each side with the crossover driving only bass.

Just got Levon Helm's new disc, Electric Dirt - it has the soul/essence of the band hidden in it. It's there, beating and alive and so great.

I love Robbie Robertson's solo work, but Levon got custody of the soul of the band.

Of other break ups, who took the soul of the band with him/her?

I'll add one: Peter Gabriel kept custody of the soul of Genesis.

One more, then I stop for y'all - when Keith and Mick were figthing and some solo stuff was happening, Keith was in possession of the soul of the Stones.

I have an acquaintance who is an 8th grade history teacher.

His school uses a nationally standardized test for midterms and finals.

Just gave his first midterm in US History and 90% of the students failed.

He asked one class, "Show of hands, how many of you looked at the reading or video (video!) material or looked over your notes for this test?"

Not one kid raised his/her hand.

He asked me what I thought.

I am an internet audio retailer, and took a little offense to some of the remarks in this letter. My response is too long to retype here, please visit my blog and post your thoughts.

Thank you.