I run Roon Core on a newer Mac Mini as well as a sonicTransporter i5. There’s absolutely zero difference in sound quality. To be honest, I’m tired of the CPU intensive nature of Roon but most people who are comparing the Mac Mini probably had older models. Use a good streamer and Ethernet filters if you want to improve SQ but don’t listen to people who tried Mac mini 10 years ago and still hanging on to those outdated impressions.
Options to improve digital sound
Hi,
I am looking for some, hopefully, simple advice. My current digital system is an M4 MacMini feeding a Holo May DAC into a PrimaLuna 400 preamp and amp. My speakers are Devore Gibbon X. I primarily listen to downloaded and ripped files with Roon and Audirvana. I also use Qobuz, but not as often.
The sound quality is good, but I feel like it could be improved. The options I'm considering are a Small Green Computer SonicTransporter i7 to replace the Mini, or a SGC UltraRendu to put between the Mini and the Holo May.
Which option would be better? Is there a better option? I'd like to keep the cost under around $2500.
Thanks