I went through a series of three minis, unique upgrades with each. I'd say the two most substantial improvements were in order of importance, lps then OS optimization. The Uptone MMK no longer available, don't know of another solution, minus another option I wouldn't continue with mini, quality power supplies are extremely important for any streamer. If you could find a used MMK, bundle that with an Uptone JS-2 lps, extremely high quality choke based power supply. As for OS optimization I shut down virtually every conceivable service, even to extent of going into DOS and changing command lines (this can be risky if you don't know what you're doing). Hopefully you're not using wifi with the mini, remove antenna, this is noise maker. There were any number of guides as to how to optimize minis for high quality streaming, hopefully these still out there. In any case there is a fair amount of diy involved, if not willing or able, I'm sure you'll get many suggestions for off the shelf streamers.
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
- ...
- 7 posts total
- 7 posts total