JDSmoke-
I used both the optical and USB from the MacBk. The DAC in my 2500 had some growing pains with the USB but revision 1.03 seemed to clear that up. Also moving to a shorter cable was another help.
The USB and fiber were similar but different. Never quite made up my mind as to which was preferred. Sometimes the USB sometimes the optical. One thing I did notice was the sound stage. On the opening of Santana's Abraxas for example, the cymbals floated from left to right much more dynamically with glass than USB. In the end, it's splitting hairs.
With the BDP3, it's another story; the previous setup is just bested all around. So much so, a Bryston BDA3 is on its way. In your case, keep your options open and explore various scenarios. This server/DAC thing is something I've worked on for quite sometime and then it all came together. Having so many great possibilities out there doesn't make it easier.
Enjoy the hunt.
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AKA J2Ordan
McIntosh/Legacy/VPI/Bricasti/DIYCable
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