Can I use my SSP's DAC instead of external DAC with Mac Mini?

First, try the HDMI from the MacMini to the SSP. I was pleasantly surprised at how my late-model big box Pioneer Home Theater processor sounded when decoding everything from MP3s to high resolution music files when connected by HDMI. 

The optical output on the Mini is limited to 24/96. You can try that as well, connected to the optical on the SSP.

I can’t be sure though when it comes to high resolution playback - you didn’t indicate what kind of music files you’ll be playing or what player you’ll be using.

This is one reason why a DAC between the server and processor is helpful. It will decode a variety of resolutions from 16/44.1 to 24/192, to DSD, if so equipped.

You mentioned a desire to keep things simple hence my suggestion to try the HDMI first - just to give things a listen.

Don’t forget to change the MIDI settings on the Mini, depending on what you’re using for output.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Get a mini jack to toslink adaptor. They're cheap and you should have no problem finding one at a place like Radio Shack or a music store. You'll also need a toslink cable if you don't already have one. Then all you need to do is run the toslink cable from your mac to your ssp. Go into the menus on the ssp and configure whatever options you need to for the toslink input. You may have to tell mac os to use the optical jack if you're not getting sound. 

Only you can determine if you like the way it sounds, but it should be OK. It shouldn't cost you any more than $20 to go direct. If you're not happy, then get a dac. Classe processors are one of the better HT preamps for music. 

DBTom2 - no HDMI on the SSP-600, the SSP-800 has them, but mine's an older model. Music is a collection of CDs burned as AAC files and the stuff I bought on iTunes was downloaded as iTunes PLUS format (256).

mb1audio02 - I see that some of the higher-end cable-makers (Wireworld for example) sell a cord with mini-optical to toslink ... I actually haven't bought the mini yet - wanted to make sure I could make it work first. Right now all my music is on my MacBook Pro, but I wanted something cleaner and dedicated that I can drive with an iPad or iPhone remotely. I may decide to re-record the CDs to the Mini rather than defer, though I guess a USB to USB or even thunderbolt xfer would work well. 

There's a lot of negative feedback on the Mac Mini as a computer, but I've not heard any negative on using it as a dedicated music server. PSAudio did a decent "how to" write up here, but it left the DAC questions unanswered.  http://www.psaudio.com/ps_how/how-to-build-a-music-server-2/

Thanks for responses - additional commentary is welcome - this is new ground for me. 

I have a MacMini running Roon with a 2TB external drive containing my library of about 25K songs. About 3K of those are iTunes downloads and the remainder are songs ripped from CDs into 16 bit / 44.1 kHz AIFF (lossless, compressionless) format. Also have a few hundred high-res music tracks. I am delighted with the sound and performance of the MacMini as a music server. I use an LH Labs DAC fed via USB to feed my Rotel preamp. The Mini sits on my Audio Rack next to my DAC.

I must be lucky. The MacMini runs very quiet and my old ears do not perceive the "noise" added to audio by the Mac OS's multiple processes running. There are some who believe the music server/computer should be dedicated to just one purpose: audio and also insist the server/computer should be located in another room/closet. 

I also use the MacMini as a video streaming computer to a 65" TV via HDMI . I use an Apple wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse to control things and stream Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, PBS, and YouTube as well. So my preference for the Mini also has to do with it doing double duty. There's a lot to be said as well for internet surfing on the big screen with a group of people. Many control options available for iOS devices. Great two channel audio too. (Keep in mind that the video streaming can just as easily be done with an Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Roku device - these are much much cheaper.)

There's a lot to be considered when deciding on a music server and now is a good time to be doing that as many products are available. I love my Roon subscription and the convenience of controlling it remotely from an iPhone/iPad. Roon is also an excellent multi-room system where each endpoint can be grouped for the same audio or controlled separately and each playing different tracks from the library. 

Good luck. 

DBTom2 - Rotel is a sister brand to Classe & B&W -  we're chasing similar goals. I just added the 65" OLED from LG (E6P) so it surfs the net with its own kludgey OS. I plan to connect HDMI from Mini to TV, as a monitor as / when I need monitor for Mini, but don't plan to use it that way much. Mostly the Mini is for remote music playback using Apple devices as a DJ/remote.  

Why not purchase a USB to SPDIF converter. many come up used here on AG.  A original Music Fidelity V-Link (black version) would work for your application. This might best be found on E-Bay. 

Mesch - operating under the "fewer devices and connections is better" premise - straight cable is fewest # of points to introduce possibility of degradation. Not being cheap, being careful.

" Mesch - operating under the "fewer devices and connections is better" premise - straight cable is fewest # of points to introduce possibility of degradation. Not being cheap, being careful."

That's only true up to a certain point. Your system isn't at a level where a usb to spdif converter will have any real audible negative effects. If it using one helps get your system setup the way you need it, just use one. Besides, if the "fewer devices" rule was always true, we would all be listening to integrated amps with built in dacs.

" DBTom2 - Rotel is a sister brand to Classe & B&W -  we're chasing similar goals."

Classe was bought by Rotel/B&W a few years back. The 2 brands are very different. Ownership is about the only thing they have in common.

" mb1audio02 - I see that some of the higher-end cable-makers (Wireworld for example) sell a cord with mini-optical to toslink ... I actually haven't bought the mini yet - wanted to make sure I could make it work first."

You don't need to get an expensive optical to toslink adapter. It doesn't do anything. Its a mini jack with a hole in the center for the fiber optic light to pass through. 

" Mostly the Mini is for remote music playback using Apple devices as a DJ/remote.  "

Try a free music player called Clementine. Its better than iTunes and supports FLAC. Remote app is available for iOS and Android. Everyone who tries it, keeps it.

Classe was bought by Rotel/B&W a few years back. The 2 brands are very different. Ownership is about the only thing they have in common.

Yeah but sometimes I like to think that there's royal DNA in my bloodstream even though I come from a long line of peasants. ;)

+1 on the mini toslink connector idea. 

Thanks for the hint re: Clementine. Always up to trying a different player.

I believe, if using the DAC within your AVR is preferable, then a USB/SPDIF is your best option going from the MAC mini. One option is an M2Tech HiFace, no need for a USB cable. They come up often on Ebay or AG for under $100. Please keep in mind that any USB DAC has a USB/SPDIF interface contained within. The 1st device the signal passes through therein.  

Forgot to add, wishing you the best with whatever route you chose.
Merry Christmas.

Thanks all for input, and Merry Christmas. Was planning on buying the $499 Mac Mini with 500 MB 5400 RPM drive plus $100 memory upgrade to 8GB, but then I found a refurb Mac Mini with 1TB fusion drive and 16GB for $700 - gonna try the mini-Toslink to Toslink without an external dac for now and see how it sounds. 

mesch - can you expand on your last comment -  "if using the DAC within your AVR is preferable, then a USB/SPDIF is your best option going from the MAC mini" --  better than the straight mini-toslink to toslink cable, and if so why?

mbaudio02 - thanks for info and Clemetine tip - will take a look. 

So the micro-optical headphone jack outputs SPDIF.  I guess I missed that point. Sorry for my confusion.