I use mac and pc, nothing particularly modern. I get my fast computer fix at work. I just open itunes and leave it open, so I don't really care that it takes a minute to load.
I like itunes precisely because I have a large library. It's simple, it works, I don't have to futz with it. I don't tweak my tags, I don't fiddle with EQ settings per track, I don't build playlists. I listen with party shuffle, and when I get in a mood for something, I drop it in the playlist.
Way more important than the quality of the DAC is that you're electrically isolating the dac from the computer. I've got a CEC DA53, which is a great dac and has USB in, but I still prefer to feed it from the airport instead, so that I eliminate possible interference. It's a growth path that doesn't leave you stuck with a piece of equipment you won't want later, unlike most compromise gear.
It depends on the link I follow as to whether or not my cookies are honored. If I go to "www.head-case.org", no cookies are honored, but "head-case.org" and they are. And even then the cookies time out in 30 minutes or so.
Doesn't get rid of the bars, those are because of aspect ratio differences. Does increase the resolution from dvd resolution up to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, depending on the dvd player.
Once you've recabled for balanced, switching connectors is easy. My preference for balanced is a 4pin xlr, and then I have adapters to male and female 3pin, as well as mini and 1/4".
It's like saying better spark plug wires are what make most of the difference comparing a shelby cobra to the ac ace. Sure, it uses better plug wires. It's also got a 427.
I've heard this argument before used to say that hte best combination ever is the CD3000 + bada ph12 + eastsound. When you change 1 thing in a chain, and the sound gets worse, you shouldn't blame the things that don't change.