For a number of years I ran a late 2015 Mac Mini with a PI Audio power cord on it. Eventually I tired of the software speed, the slowness of booting, and Roon having issues recognizing the output.
The DAC I use is a Cen.Grand DSDeluxe 1.0. This unit converts to DSD, generates its own clock signal with precise clock mechanism, and is able to synch the data flow that buffering is not required and a steady data stream is maintained. It is a lovely unit, and sounds close to my turntables than any DAC I have used.
Earlier this week I bought a GMKtec Nuc mini computer to replace the Mac Mini. Uses an Intel Twin Lake N150 with 16 GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Music files on a 1TB Western Digital SSD. I installed it this morning with Roon and Qobuz.I am hard wired to the router.
What is interesting is the lower registers sound different than the Mini, at least noticeably so.
Which makes me wonder, how much does the computer have to do with sound? Before I would say its minimal if not at all. Now I am not so sure.
Which makes me wonder if a streamer would be appropriate. I believe I would still have to use the Nuc to store Roon, and stream Qobuz. I am not quite sure how the streamer improves things if the data still goes through the computer. Also, with the conversion that the DAC does and its reclocking, does it also negate any benefits of the streamer?
Just trying to find the best way to proceed with this DAC and get quality digital sound
