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Novice needs Mac Mini and DAC advice

Stereo Boys, I really really need some advice. In the past 18 months, I've loaded all in on this hobby and in that short time span have gone from birth to a full blown, fairly high end system and now I'm integrating a Mac Mini server into the mix. My mind is blown with too much information and I'm losing it over which DAC will give me the best bang with a budget anywhere from $800 to $4000. I'm told that the Ayre and Wavelength don't really outperform the lower cost DACs by a huge margin. I need a shot of the truth. And I'm looking for plug and play. I'm not that conversant with all the technical science involved in all of this. I just want a clean, high res sound. Please help!!
moonshot

Showing 4 responses by gregfisk

gregfisk
118 posts
 
So Moonshot, which Bob from Seattle radio are you? I grew up here listening to all the Rock stations and not too many of the Jocks are still around. Hope your doing well in whatever you're doing now, radio seems like a hard core business to me.

Oh, and you are going in the right direction with a macmini and good dac. I'm currently using a M2tech Hiface Evo for conversion into my Havana Dac. It's a wonderful sounding dac that has gotten rave reviews over the last few years. I just ordered the Metrum Octave which has also gotten tons of good press. They are selling them from the factory right now for several hundred dollars under the going rate of $1100.00 dollars until they are gone because the new model just came out. Check out the reviews on this site and others. You have gotten some really good advice on this thread, but the main thing is to enjoy the music and keep rockin.

Take Care,

Greg
gregfisk
118 posts
 
Bob,

I forgot to mention, if you still live in the Seattle area you are welcome to listen to my mac mini going into my M2Tech Hiface USB/SPDIF converter and then into my Dac. I don't have the Metrum Octave yet but it should be here any day.

Take Care,

Greg
gregfisk
118 posts
 
Devilboy, thank's for the positive input, I'm really looking forward to trying it in my system. I really like the magic tonal qualities of the Havana but it lacks some detail on involved music. I like the Evo but will get the stack with the outboard clock and power supply as that is what I understand makes the Evo a first class product.

Bob, you are welcome to come by and I will have the Octave by then. I wouldn't wait if you want the deal on the Octave as my understanding a couple of weeks ago is that they only had 20 left. You have to order direct from the Netherlands to get the low price.

Enjoy your spring break trip.

Greg
gregfisk
118 posts
 
Devilboy, I have been listening to the Octave for several weeks now and I am really impressed! Two weeks ago I bought the clock for my Evo and all I can say is WOW! I did not think it would make much difference, but man was I wrong. My system has never sounded better and I'm really glad I have forums like this to get info. from my fellow fanatics.

Bob, if your out there, what did you end up getting?
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