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….)
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:
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
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/ |
... and also would be happy to purchase used, as I may be a simple use case with less of a digital library and an emphasis on streaming with Roon... ? |
You wise audio maniacs have convinced me… I am Switching course to a dedicated streamer!
What are the recommendations with the following qualities: -Roon Compatible (I use Roon for my Muti-zoned house, and simultaneous playback -Compatible with my DAC (HoloAudio Spring 2 Level 3 Kitsune edition). I saw someone mentioning that I should get a streamer with I2S output for the Holo. Also hear that Halo Audio recommends USB inputs. (?) -little or no maintenance -2-3K ish....
I see in this and other threads the following streamers: (Bold seems the most mentioned) -Aurender N200 or Aurender N250 -Innuos -Denafrips Gaia -SGC i5 with Sonicorbiter OS -SonicTransporter I7 (12v 4 amp linear power supply to power it) -Lumin U2 -Teddy Pardo LPS -Antipodes K21 -Roon Nucleus Plus revision A with an Upgrade the power supply (s-booster). Plug in external hard drive or install internal.
Some questions and use habits: -Prefer no dsp (is this a mistake?) -Small digital file library (80 gigs). Have been gravitating to mostly streaming and vinyl. -Currently I have my network as follows: Ethernet to AirPort Extreme to my mini. -Where to find a good price? eBay or new on Amazon or….
Thank you!!!! Richard |
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. |
Mac Mini a good choice for Roon core/server. General purpose computers in general tend to be somewhat noisy so not sure if any general purpose computer is best choice to run a streamer, Roon or otherwise. I’d look into a good quality dedicated streamer just to compare and find out if better. I run a Cambridge mxn10 streamer for Roon and can definitely recommend that as a low cost high quality option to consider.
Also if using USB from a computer you want to be using usb audio class 2 (uac2) and usb 2 or 3 to support higher data rates. |
Dedicated streamer in your price range is far better investment vs SU6 or any DDC. DDC is marginal improvement vs a quality streamer, these icing on the cake, and then only for dac's with I2S input. I previously owned Su6 and now own Denafrips Gaia, these are some of the LAST components to purchase. At 2-3K price level the Sonic transporter would be good move. At some point later down road, separate Roon Endpoint will be further upgrade\. I've been down these roads, speak from direct experience. |
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. |
