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 1 response by sandstone

sandstone
358 posts
 
Joshindc,

There is a problem in the system you posted above as your plan.
It shows two DACs sequentially in your signal path:  The Bluesound Node 2i feeding the Ares DAC is redundant and inoperable.  You don't need the Bluesound if you have the properly configured Mac-Mini and your Ares.

Sandstone
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