Currently setting up a Mac Mini late 2014, 8 Gb RAM, 1 Gb HD,(almost new) as a dedicated music server which I found on Ebay for $305. This model will run the latest Mac OS & thus the latest Audirvana. I used the free SW "Mactracker" http://mactracker.ca/ to find this model as it was recommended as the inexpensive alternative to a new Mac Mini. Mactracker lists the current price/value & has a link to the units available on Ebay. This model can be upgraded with an SSD if you're up for DIY and there are quite a few in various configurations available on Ebay. If you're happy with your setup this would be an inexpensive, easy way to go.I can't speak to the many alternatives, I'll leave that to the more knowledgeable people on the Forum.
Apple MacMini replacement or.....
I cannot find this question answered specifically in the archives. I have an aging Apple MacMini and I can no longer upgrade the OS and therefore cannot upgrade my Audirvana. This MM will not play the Masters Tidal or hi-Rez Qobuz. I have two USB storage drives, 500GB each in a Raid 1 which output to the MacMini. USB out of the MM to an Oppo Sonica DAC. I rarely play hi-Rez since I only have a few. It works flawlessly otherwise and streams to several Apple TVs throughout the house. I use iTunes with Bitperfect or Audirvana for playback. All the tunes load to RAM cache before playback to avoid Accessing the hard drive. Controlled by my iPad or iPhone.
I can replace the MM with a new one for $799. 128 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM. Everything stays the same except I can upgrade all the software and have an SSD and stream from several classical streams that I like. The dilemma is this: Is this the best way to use my existing library of ALAC ripped CDs, keep music through the house, use my iPhone or iPad for controlling the music and have Apple reliability or is there a better way today? Or to put it another way, how much more do I have to spend to retain this functionality and have even better sound?
The rest of the system: 17 x 20 foot room with treated walls and carpeted floor, Modwright SWL 9.0 SE, Wyred4sound SX-500 monos and Von Schweikert VR-4JR speakers. Thank you.
I can replace the MM with a new one for $799. 128 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM. Everything stays the same except I can upgrade all the software and have an SSD and stream from several classical streams that I like. The dilemma is this: Is this the best way to use my existing library of ALAC ripped CDs, keep music through the house, use my iPhone or iPad for controlling the music and have Apple reliability or is there a better way today? Or to put it another way, how much more do I have to spend to retain this functionality and have even better sound?
The rest of the system: 17 x 20 foot room with treated walls and carpeted floor, Modwright SWL 9.0 SE, Wyred4sound SX-500 monos and Von Schweikert VR-4JR speakers. Thank you.