2. digital
  3. 178180-20132

Should I upgrade from a Mac Mini to a dedicated server or should I upgrade my dac?

Hello!
I would like to upgrade my digital audio and I have had some interesting discussions on the matter.  I mostly use Roon with Qobuz and Tidal via Mac Mini to a Moon 280D with Mind2 as a Roon endpoint (so I am using Ethernet rather than USB which was one of my 1st upgrade paths); I have been told that to get a significant improvement in sound I should upgrade from the Mac Mini to a Roon Nucleus or Small Green Computer etc before upgrading the dac.  The dac would be the following step.  
I think this is an interesting thought that I had not considered- I always assumed the most critical component would be a better a dac,   I am curious about your opinions on this.

System
Source (analog): VPI Aries 1,  Lyra. Etna, PS Audio Stellar phono; Amplification: Vinnie Rossi LIO Preamp, Pass Labs XA60.5; Speakers:AvantGarde Duo's, Thiel 3.7; Cables: Nordost Heimdall II.


 

pgastone

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,888 posts
 

we are a server importer and sell many dacs as well

 

if you are using ethernet to an endpoint you would not hear an appreciable difference upgrading a seperate streamer or Roon core

 

however if you are directly connected to a dac then you would hear a large difference 

as per dacs vs streaming dacs it depends on model and price

we sell chord aqua atoll bicasti mytek t+aand are demoing  the new Mojo

 

the aqua dacs are particularly good and 100% modular and upgradable 

 

our 432Evo servers produce amazing sound via usb and when used via usb into a suitable dac can easily rival a very expensive analog  rig

 

Dave and Troy

audio intellect nj

432evo us importers

da

 

 

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