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Streamer Options Needed

This question is a spinoff from this previous post: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-from-martin-logan-sequel-ii-s-to

Since I decided to double my speaker budget, I will have to wait later in the year or perhaps 2026 for that purchase.

With that said, based on the comments from the previous post I am now looking at a streamer.

As stated before, I’m using a 2018 MacMini to stream Qobuz and passing it to the McIntosh C49’s built In DAC (for now at least). Streamer options to consider are: I do not, nor will I have digital music files stored anywhere so I do not need that option. I do not own or want to use a Tablet.  I am a Boomer so I would like to steer away of phone apps.

Ideally I would love the MacMini to control the Qobuz connected streamer that is connected to the C49 DAC.

Just for starters I played with a WiiM Ultra using the Mac OS Beta App. Not too bad, the Mac App controls the WiiM’s music library functions and most settings but not Qobuz. The phone app pretty much uses Qobuz and directs the stream to the WiiM then to the C49 DAC.

I would like to keep the cost under 3K.

Also, If they’re any suggestions on how to make the MacMini sound a bit better I will take those as well. Currently using BitPerfect. Are they any other programs that work similar to BitPerfect they bypass the Computers Audio Engine.

Sorry for the long winded post. So much knowledge to gain.

Suggestions please!!!!

chippieboy

Showing 2 responses by audiomirror

audiomirror
20 posts
 

I design and manufacture DACs. For long time I was using MACs for testing purposes and compatibility, also for convenience when I needed to be mobile.

Last year I bought a used MAC mini M2 on Amazon. To my surprise M2 sounded much better than any Intel MACs and at the level of 2k servers like Innuos, HiFi Rose, Blue Sound... All the time using Audirvana as player. For me Audirvana is the best sounding player over Roon, Tidal and others. You can buy MAC Mini M2 used on Amazon for $380-400. If you don't like it, you can return it. Audirvana has 1 month free trial. You can use tablet or smart phone as remote for Audirvana. I think it's worth trying. After some listening I kept MAC Mini M2 and even went further and upgraded the power supply with linear, low noise one. To me this is best combination for less than$800 including power supply. Mac Mini M2 + Teradak + Audirvana. If you have more questions please contact me through my website - audiomirror.com

I unfortunately am not very active on the forums.

Vlad

 

audiomirror
20 posts
 

I might be wrong. It's just my opinion, but look at architecture of M2 vs Intel. Intel has 4 USB ports. M2 has 2. On intel MACs there is a chip set ( I believe this degrades the sound)which works as a bridge between CPU and USB. On M2 I believe USBs are connected directly to CPU internals. Plus the processing power and much simplified power supply(less noise) and less parts/chips contributing to noise and better sound. I  might be wrong, but that's my feeling. After upgrading power supply on M2 the difference was subtle vs doing same on Intel Macs was very audible. I also have to clarify I am talking about aluminum a little bigger and  flatter MAC mini M2 not the newest square ones. Never tried the square M2s which has only USB C connections.

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