2. digital
  3. 195058-200780

Maximize Mini with Roon to match my system -- or new component?

Hello Fantastic Audiogon Community!

 

I seek some advice regarding how to plan the next few upgrades to what I am beginning to understand has been a neglected and critical component to my system. The Mac mini.

 

Details of my system, which has undergone a complete upgrade in the past year both digitally and analogue:

 

(And thank you in advance to this incredible insightful and passionate community! I have combed through the forums for specifics on these questions already and am both impressed and still seeking advice….)

 

  • SPEAKERS: Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horn (Mundorf Silver Gold Oil Cap upgrade and high pass filter, Duelund 16 internal wiring and speaker cables to amp)
  • AMP: PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated (Gold Lion KT77 power tubes, Briar and Mullard NOS gain tubes)
  • DAC: HoloAudio Spring 2 Level 3 Kitsune edition
  • PHONO: Music Hall MMF-9 and McIntosh MP 100 Preamp (but I’m focusing on the digital for this thread)
  • INTERCONNECTS: Duelund 16 (Perfection interconnect)
  • MAC MINI: M2 Chip, 8GB Ram, 245GB External HD through USB C, Generic USB Cable to the DAC. Roon Core.

 

I for now am mostly wanting to maximize the Mac mini so that it is as perfect as possible running Roon with Qubuz.

 

However I am also curious what you all believe is the “appropriate” upgrade to my digital stream, to match the rest of my components.

 

I am a minimalist with hardware (?!) and would like the future splurge on this to be on something that lasts, doesn’t have a screen, and doesn’t require any maintenance… just runs for a decade. I am loving Roon. Most of my old digital library is burned from CD, so I tend to listen to streamed files as they are the same or higher quality (?). I am happy with the HoloAudio DAC.

 

QUESTIONS:

 

  • How do I maximize my current system with affordable (sub 1K) adjustments and upgrades to the software and hardware?
  • The Mac Mini unit is headless, and I typically have the Roon app open on this Mac mini and control it from my iPad. Is the “Roon Core” a background app, and should I quit the “Roon” app?)
  • Upgrade USB Cable?
  • Power Supplies?
  • If I were to get rid of the mini, what would be a new digital component that runs Roon well and matches the rest of my system?

 

 

THANK YOU ALL!

BRILLIANT PASSIONATE LOVERS OF MUSIC HALLUCINATION MACHINES!

 

R.

 

P.S.: I have been following this thread regarding Streamers, similar OP setup, but was wanting to focus on the Mac mini for now... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/options-to-improve-digital-sound?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid

 

 

whyrichard

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
10,224 posts
 

I’d recommend Innuos or Aurender.  Some of their models also allow you to rip CDs and/or store your music onboard so you can have all your music in one place.  Here’s a few used at various price points…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbe282-innuos-pulsar-network-streamer-transports

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650230502-innuos-pulso/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650228329-innuos-zen-mk3-2tb/

soix
10,224 posts
 

Ditch the Mini ASAP — huge bottleneck to your otherwise nice sytem.  Unless you’re planning on keeping it for a long time, throwing more $$$ at the Mini is a waste IMHO and would make much more sense to put those funds toward a dedicated streamer.  Innuos makes streamers at several price points and come with their Sense app that’s widely regarded as the best and most user-friendly app in the biz, and several have even dumped Roon it’s so good but I believe it works as a Roon endpoint if you wanna stick with it.  If you give a budget you’ll get more specific recommendations.  Best of luck. 

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