Converter + source for mini-cable?

Digital Drive

Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

Hi!
As my handle indicates, I'm primarily an analog guy, but for the past few years I have been streaming music from my PC to my sterea via iTunes and an Apple Airport Express (AE). (For those not familiar with it, it is a device that can receive a wireless signal and output either an anlog or digital TOSlink signal.)
I generally use this system for convenience, not for critical listening, as I can have music playing all day with no input. Sometimes, the alternative (even switching CDs) is not feasible, so it's the choice between lesser quality music and none at all. I'd choose the former.
I'm currently using the AE's DAC which is not spectacular.
So...on to the questions:
1) Sometime in the future I intend to purchase an Audio Note DAC. Their DACs cannot accept a TOSlink input. I know the Monarchy Audio Classic DIP can convert TOSlink to either RCA or XLR, either of which is appropriate for the AN DAC.
Are there any other options for conversion of the signal? I'm not interested in spending megabucks at this stage as this is mainly for compressed music.
Please assume that the Audio Note DAC is a given (no suggestions of "Get a DAC with TOSlink), as I am quite a fan of their digital solutions.
2) The Airport Express has a mini-TOSlink output. Does anyone know of a reasonable source for a mini-TOSlink cable?
3) Does anyone have experience comparing the use of such a setup (AE->DIP->DAC) vs. a direct USB input into a DAC?
The rest of my system is highly-resolving, so I know the source files are likely to be a limiting factor. That said, if I record the files in a high-quality format, I'd like to make sure that whatever converter I buy is not a net negative.
Thank you!

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Kimber Kable

Topic - Converter + source for mini-cable? - analog guy 18:05:03 10/24/06 (0)

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