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Mac Mini vs Squeezebox Touch

My system currently consists of a Decware Mini Torii amp and Cain and Cain Abby loudspeakers (with Fostex 166e). I have $1000 in my budget right now to spend on a digital source. I have been evaluating the EE minimax dac over the last couple months and find it quite enjoyable with a dose of Mullard 12au7's (one in the minimax and 2 as signal tubes in my amp). I have been feeding the minimax with a sony dvd player using black cat veloce cable. If I keep the dac, I have enough left in my budget to purchase a Squeezebox Touch. Or, I was thinking I could take the route of a Mac Mini (control it with my existing iMac G5 or with iPhone) and then maybe purchase a NOS dac such as Valab. I realize the Valab will probably not give me the detail or expansive soundstage of the Minimax but it may give me more midrange liquidity -- which I do prefer. Just wondering what your thoughts are and whether you have any other recommendations that would fit my budget and system. I am looking to get away from cd's and have the convenience of a music server. Thanks
gotog

Showing 1 response by morganc

morganc
255 posts
 
I had the Decware mini torii and now the Tori combined with a Mac Mini and an upgraded Tranquility SE DAC from dB Labs. The upgraded Tranquility is not being marketed yet, but if you want midrange liquidity, you cannot beat it! I just saw several sell regular SE's sell on Audiocircle for $850 or so. You can buy one used and ship it to Eric at dB Labs and upgrade it for a few $$ or just buy a new one from him. Regardless I bet that you will be very happy with this combo. The Tranquility was voiced to pair with a Mac Mini. If you go to Audiocircle there is a 40 plus page thread on the Tranquility and Mac Mini.

This combination with the mini tori had unbelievable tone and timbre especially with guitar, mandolin, etc. Vocalists were in the room.

I have not heard the EE, but I do know that the majority of people on AC with a Mac Mini have the Tranquility.

Has anyone out there compared the Tranquility to the EE?
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