2. pc-audio
  3. 159618-140726

Setting up a Mac mini as a music server, and other digital music questions

Hi All,

I'm sure this topic has been covered a bazillion times before, but thought I'd ask the Audiogon community as I don't see much up-to-date info on the web. I just purchased a DAC (Ares II) and my old Macbook Air that has been serving as my music server won't run the latest Mac OS, so probably time for a replacement. I'd like to set up a computer to store my music files on SSD, and probably handle some high-res streaming down the line. I'm currently subscribed to Apple Music, and seems hard to get out of the Apple ecosystem.

What does everyone recommend to get the best sound? Mac Mini + some kind of music software/service into the DAC?

Thanks for your help!
Josh
joshindc

Showing 3 responses by dbphd

Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,620 posts
 

I recently removed an ultraRendu and LPS 1.2 and now go USB direct from a Mini to an asynchronous Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC then balanced analog through an Ayre KX-5xeMP preamp to a pair of Parasound JC 1 monoblocks driving KEF LS50s. I think the sound is excellent with less clutter.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,620 posts
 

I used USB from the Mini to the Oppo 205 then balanced to JC 1 monoblocks.  The sound was very good with minimal clutter.  Replacing the the 205 with the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and Ayre K-5xeMP preamp certainly improved the sound, but it did add a bit of clutter.  I decided the improved sound was worth the clutter, i.e., the DAC and another pair of XLRs.  I didn't try HDMI from the Mini to the 205.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,620 posts
 
Mac Mini on Google MESH runs Roon with Qobuz & Tidal.  UpTone LPS 1.2 powers Senore ultraRendu with USB through an Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and balanced analog to an Ayre A7e integrated amp driving KEF LS50s.  Sounds very good to me.

db
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