Thanks for the information everyone.

Richard,
can you explain a little more on your setup? I love itunes and I would have no problem storing files in AIFF format (thats apple's version of WAV).

the sound out of the apple optical port is bit for bit accurate? I think I remember reading that they made sure it would be- can you confirm?

Right now Im thinking of just getting a basemodel G5 and this wireless keyboard which includes a track pad:
http://www.wireless-computing.com/products/rf250/index.html

I think this would make it easier to navigate my music collection anyway (its quite large). I could always add a keyspan DRM http://www.keyspan.com/products/USB/remote/

if I wanted the crestron to be able to toggle up and down- which seems silly anyway.

Best regards,
Jerry
Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.