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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
59 responses Add your response
sns
3,261 posts
 
@tvad I use the Uptone JS2 with MMK internal power supply (JS2 has two multiple choice dc outputs). Prior to Uptone I used Core Audio Technology LPS and internal ps, Uptone superior.  You do have to open up mini, not too bad a job. This mod was the single greatest upgrade I've experienced in streaming, and I've optimized every single thing in my streaming setup. Running general use computers for streaming does not come close to providing optimum sound quality, first thing to change out. Mac mini for diy, server for those not so inclined. I'd say server more important than dac, conditional with dac not being entry level.
Post removed 
sns
3,261 posts
 
That's unfortunate. Optimizing MacMIni is not budget solution, on top of lps really need to disable many services, some of which require DOS commands. Some other mods require more special knowledge. Out of box solution best for most. Running needless services with MacMiini, even with lps will not be optimizing this solution.
indranilsen
113 posts
 
That is very correct @sns. That is also why I didn't move in the direction of upgrading my MacMini. Instead I got a purpose built music server Roon Nucleus Plus to replace the MacMini. However the MacMini performance in the way I was using was not bad at all and if I didn't compare it with the Roon Nucleus I wouldn't feel the need for an immediate upgrade.
Thanks.
Post removed 
sns
3,261 posts
 
tvad, I don't have direct answer since my RenoLabs switch has built in LPS. Prior to switch, I fed NAS and server directly from router. I can say adding an LPS to router was very worthwhile upgrade, continue to use on router since addition of switch. Based on that, and many users claims that LPS improves switches I presume it would.

I'd expect both generic switch and audiophile switchs that comes standard with switching power supply to benefit from LPS. All switching power supplies will feed garbage back into AC circuit, using LPS on any equipment shared with rest of system AC will be of benefit. The smallest benefit for me was on the fiber media converters, but still worthwhile.
Speaking of LPS, I've been curious as to whether adding an LPS to a modem would be worthwhile. I presently don't run my modem on system ac line, so not worried about garbage feeding in.  I just wonder if LPS is still of benefit beyond the issue of switching power supplies feeding garbage?
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indranilsen
113 posts
 
Recently I have done some testing with LPS (Keces P8) connecting it to Nucleus Plus, audiophile switch Etherregen and I have mixed results. It worked very well with Nuclues Plus but not so much with the audiophile switch Etherregen. But I am still not a 100% sure that a LPS wouldn’t work well with Etherregen. This is due to the fact that I used a dual output LPS to power Etherregen and Nucleus Plus and it is possible that Keces LPS design is less than optimal to eliminate noise in this dual power supply mode. I intend to test this combination with a single 12V output LPS and confirm the result. 
Powering router with a LPS is an interesting combination that I haven’t tested it. Given that I have Etherregen in between router and my Bricasti DAC the upstream noise at the router level shouldn’t matter but you don’t know unless you test it. It is there in my list of items to try with a lower priority…Thanks
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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