Help Me select Mini

It is a good idea to get a large SSD so that you can put multiple OS images on it. Often, the good S/W players need fresh OS installs to sound good for each new release. Amarra for instance. Things get mucked-up with both the OS and the player S/W if you do multiple installs on the same image.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Get the version with i7, 8GBytes DRAM and 256GB SSD.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Here is what I found. Comparing identically configured 2009 and 2011 (i7) Minis both with SSD and 8GB DRAM, the 2009 mini wins hands down. The biggest improvements are from Veesion 4318/19 Amarra and the SW scripts to reduce active apps.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Keep the 09 Mini. It will sound better than new Minis with USB converters and DACs. Just put a SSD in it from Other World Computing. Maybe replace the AC adapter with a Paul Hynes supply. Use the USB port next to the middle one.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

This SSD:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/internal_storage/SSD/Mercury_Electra_3G_Solid_State

I like the 120GB. You can install it yourself in 30 minutes.

I dont like the sound of PM myself, in fact most versions of Amarra dont ring my bells. I use a specific version of Amarra with great results. Good enough to get two best sound of shows at RMAF. The EQ function is indispensable.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

PGleekel - Late 2009 Mini is the way to go IME. Under $500 on ebay.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio