2. pc-audio
  3. 178910-176144

Turn an Intel macmini into a music server

- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work. My Linux use is limited to terminal)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

mrjayvoper

Showing 2 responses by jgoldrick

jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 

I would suggest hqPlayer embedded with a Linux OS.  hqPlayer has a minimal Os or something like Archie minimal. You can use an Android app to control it. I won't deny the app leaves some things to be desired.  But the SQ is excellent and  hqPlayer has many features to adjust the filters and DSP.

If not that, Audiophile Linux is the next best I have heard.

jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 

I would not use the RPi3+.  It has the USB and the Ethernet running on the same bus.  It is very noisy.  Even with something like an isolator/noise reducer and an IFI power cleaner, I still found it noisy.  When I switched to a custom build with a linear PS the difference in noise and background was substantial.

More to discover