I was wondering if anyone else has had any sound quality issues with their Intel macMini. Sometimes I think that I'm hearing a very subtle noise, particularly at higher volumes. I'm using the optical out into a Denon 2307 to Polk Rti10s. I have all the "sound ehancement" turned off in iTunes. Could it be an iTunes issue? Volume in iTunes is set to 50%. Using Apple Lossless too. Thanks for the insight.

Volume in iTunes is set to 50%.

Most likely there's your problem, should always be 100% with digital out. Make the adjustment and then re-check for that subtle distortion you heard.

Yeah, it's still there. I wonder if I'm just being overly picky or something. It sort of sounds like a tearing noise. It's so subtle and seems to be more apparent when the music intensifies in volume or in layers. When I try to describe it to my friends who are listening, they look at me like I'm crazy.

Okay, it's not the speakers. I can hear it through headphones. Do I point my finger at the Denon? I'm thinking it's the mini or iTunes/Quicktime.

Yes! I'm hearing it right now listening to the Chili Peppers album (song: Snow Hey Oh) new through headphones.

Next test will be just a CD player into the Denon.

If you still think you hear something playing back Apple lossless, with all iTunes processing unchecked (crossfade playback, sound enhancer, sound check) next step is to send the signal out over USB or firewire, through an external DAC, an M-audio interface, something which would in theory eliminate internal Mac hardware "noise" or a problem with the minijack out.

You have to A/B each part of the chain.

First, try a CD player with direct headphone outs, if you have one. Is it there? If so, it's probably the media.

Second, try the digital out from a CD player into the Denon. Is it there? If so, it might be the Denon.

Third, try the Mac into another decoder/receiver. Is it there? If so, it might be the Mac, especially if it happens with Lossless encoding.