I have a late model M1 Macmini streaming into an RME ADI2 and it sounds pretty darn good. As @ghdprentice suggests the only way to know if it can get better is to sub in a high level streamer, but I think you could be at a level where it will be hard to discern any difference. The M1 mini is much more efficient and quiet than earlier ones. You've got some very nice equipment, try to let go of your FOMO and enjoy the music.
for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?
Hello and thanks for your help. I have been trying to figure out how to best stream to my set up and looked at many alternatives, all the conflicting posts etc etc. I just wonder why one cannot use a computer with a device for good galvanic isolation, and rely on the clock within the DAC to eliminate issues of jitter. If one is worried about SQ only (not the features of the software) what is wrong with this simple set up? I bought a mac mini with extra memory (had dropouts until I upped the memory) and use an Innuos device for galvanic isolation. The Innuos has no external power supply and is built to use the power from the input USB, so no power in at that point (suppose a different device with linear power supply might make an improvement). I run a 3 foot long USB to the Innuous to keep noise away from my stuff. All power cords and interconnects are shielded and show nothing when I use a sniffer, even the one for the computer (you can get one of those from a company focused on people worried about EMI and health). I have Roon on the mini, and use the mini as the Roon server. When I use WiFi rather than an ethernet connection there are no dropouts; I assume that is better than bringing in noise from ethernte. Thanks for your help - a mac mini is not cheap, but costs far less than high end streamers. Do people pay for the file management etc, or is the SQ better with a dedicated streamer? (My setup: RME ADI2 or Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II pre, McIntosh 462 power amp).
Showing 3 responses by bruce19
You seem to be on a similar path as me, DIY is great. Fun ,satisfying, educational and economical. May I recommend considering a foray into a open baffle speaker using a Lii Audio full range driver such as the F6, if you dont want to risk much or the F15 if your wallet is a bit fatter. No Crossover, direct wire to amp. You can supplement bass to taste with subwoofers. Unique open airy sound with great imaging, but you do lose something on the top and bottom end. In the amp area Decware sells the printed circuit board for their 2 watt Zen amp for $45 with instructions and parts list but you have to order the parts and transformers on your own. All in $6-700 roughly. I built it and it is a lot of fun with true SET sound. If you never built a kit before and would like all the parts delivered with a nice case look at Nelson Pass's Amp Camp kit. 8 watts per channel and a sound very like a tube amp, but solid state. That is what I started with and glad I did. Hope this might be of help to you or someone else pursuing this sort of path. |