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Mac Mini As A Streaming Source

I have been looking to add a digital streaming source to my sound system and so am VERY new to this process.  But, from what I see the variety is mind boggling and there is no complete device out there that would do CD/SACD playback, plus all available music streaming apps, plus Roon.

I use apple music for high res/lossless streaming on my phone, especially their new classical service as that is my primary listening, so compatibility with this app is mandatory.  This, however, seems to eliminate every single digital streamer out there.  But, am I missing something?

So, what are the thoughts on using a mac mini for a dedicated source, linked to a DAC?  I can put all of the streaming apps there, and install Roon there, and put my existing CD ripped files on the hard drive. Connect to the internet over wifi.

What output cable would I use to connect to the internal DAC on my Mark Levinsion 585.5?

Could everything be operated with an Ipad running Roon, without the need for keyboards?

The only thing missing would be CD playback, but could that be accomplished using  a DVD/Blu Ray reader attached to the Mac?

Any help on this would be appreciated!

gwhphoto

Showing 1 response by jkevinoc

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jkevinoc
20 posts
 

I have used 3 successive Mac Minis for dedicated music servers. They have been pretty trouble free and easy to operate.

Currently:

Mac Mini M1>iFi Zen Signature V2>Linn Akurate Kontrol>Linn AV5125 Aktiv>Linn Keilidhs

I use Roon, Qobuz, Apple Music and Spotify.

I control Roon through an iPhone, iPad or MacBook Pro. The interface is clean and easy to use.

You will need a keyboard, mouse and monitor to set the Mini up, but then will be able to go headless after you have installed your source preferences.

The ambient noise level in my living/listening room hovers around 28 dB, so any “dirty” computer noise is certainly below my threshold. Roon accesses all of my legacy iTunes library, which is a mix of CD burns, HD tracks downloads, mp3s and more than a few experimental LP>digital transcriptions before I got tired of that process. 
 

The Mini is connected by Ethernet to my router, and all three that I have used have been really reliable.
 

You must understand that all of the opinions in play here exhibit a bias of one sort or another, Apple-haters, NUC-ers, golden ears, etc. 

The streaming part of my set-up cost approximately $600. It takes a little time to disable some of the background programs in the Mini, but it works.

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