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Streamer vs. new mac mini for 2 channel system

Hi audio friends,

I LOVE the functionality of my mac mini with my 2 channel system: Exasound 62e DAC, Modwright ls100 pre, Coda continuum 8 power amp and Wilson Sabrina speakers.  Being able to navigate with mouse and keyboard from my listening position is infinitely better than using a tablet or some mickey mouse app with my phone.  

The issue is the mac mini.  Clearly this is not the best transport, however I want to use my 2 channel system for more than just streaming roon.  I listen to soundcloud a lot to learn about new music and when I watch tv I want to utilize the stereo for netflix, crave etc.  My Dac has only 1 usb in and obviously an optical + s/pdif, but the fidelity is just not as good with the other inputs.  

I almost pulled the trigger on a Lumin U1 mini, but again I do not see how this transport will improve fidelity, without limiting overall functionality.  How do I bring a new mac mini to a place where it can compete with a dedicated transport like the lumin, or is this even a reasonable suggestion?  

Looking to optimize the system in the most efficient way.
Confused - any suggestions would be much appreciated.

cshadow

Showing 1 response by snakenuts

snakenuts
4 posts
 

how do you all manage your NAS stored music libraries on dedicated music streamers/network transports?

I have posted my own question about using a Mac Mini as a server in a 2-speaker system. 

Sounds like a hassle to try and organise your library in a Bluesound Node etc if your Apple Music library has already done the work for you. 

Can you import Music/Tunes playlists etc into Bluesound or other similar network streamers? 

This is coming from someone who doesn't want to use Roon or Tidal or any other streaming service. 

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