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Basically Apple's version of the MP3, AAC files, which are still lossy files... maybe slightly better than MP3's...? I always ripped my CDs (300ish?) to iTunes as I had never used a good system to listen before I got back into it.? Everything was either in the car or at the office...? Also, I needed the laptop space for work and lossless files are BIG... I should have just gotten an external and ripped them all lossless, but that's hindsight.

I've looked into re-ripping everything (ugh... but needs to be done) and creating a network that is probably what you are doing, but right now I'm sinking my earmarked audio funds into the base system.? I have looked into setting up a network using hard-wired storage of lossless files and a good DAC, I've listened to similar systems that sounded "really" well.? I'm going to wait until my wife and I make one last move and we settle (we plan to change locations and abodes next year), so (hopefully!) I'll never have to move it.

When I first started trying to figure it out, I went to Pro Musica in Chicago and they pitched some of Naim's all-in-one's as a solution (CD ripper, streamer, storage, integrated amp), but that unit alone was twice what I have in the whole system.? It sounded very good (with ProAc speakers, REL sub) but it was going to be at least $15k for the basic system...? One interesting fact about their in-house library was that they not only ripped CDs, but most of their library was ripped from vinyl (that's a rabbit hole I'm getting close to... lol).? After demoing all that, he took me downstairs to listen to a pair of Quad 57's using their digital network... wow!? That is what really opened me up to vintage...? many thanks to them!

Right now Im waiting to see if my Krell player is resurrected...? if not, then I'm really considering getting a higher-end CD/SACD player that will have an on-board DAC that can be used separately...? probably gonna spend $1500-$3000...? ouch!? But, I think it will pay off in the long run and be a cornerstone for the system...? And having listened to some very expensive audiophile systems playing digital, it will still be extremely modest for the return...? and the DQ10s sound sooooo good with the right power and source material.