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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 vonhelmholtz

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

See above… I agree completely.

Mac Mini is a cost savings move, but not a great move for the end product. Unfortunately, quality streamers, DACs are expensive, but it can be an iterative process. I was using a 10th Gen I7 NUC with iFi Zen and this bettered anything done with a Mac, but the Aurender line is in another league regarding the end result. I have Apple Music etc. and use it with my Apple Watch Ultra and Bluetooth AirPod Pro2 and it works great for jogging, walking and working out, but it isn’t “High Resolution/High Bitrate” when using it this way and Apple is a relatively new player to quality streaming. I’m sure in time some streamers will pass Apple Music. I use Qobuz. In fact my whole family streams Qobuz on different devices, including streaming in the car via CarPlay. Pretty easy to transfer playlists to Qobuz and all the streamers will work…great service. For me, I will probably discontinue Apple Music. I can stream via my watch music that I have ripped to my Synology NAS to both my watch and my car.. One less music service to pay for.

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