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
sns
3,205 posts
 

I've now used three iterations of mini as servers. You mention having no budget which leaves lps out of the question, this will be greatest limitation of using a mini.

 

I could provide much info, but you may really be better off with raspberry.

 

Still, just for comparison sake, get 3rd party app wipe for OS, even though latest Mac OS doesn't allow complete wipe of many needless apps integrated within OS, stupid. Disable system integrity protection (DIP) via terminal, this will be nice upgrade, disconnect wifi antenna if not needed. Beyond this, fastest processor, I7 preferable to I5, PCIe preferable to sata.

 

Sans lps, the second greatest limitation with mini is usb rendering is crap. To bypass one needs separate streamer and bridge thunderbolt as second ethernet port.

spenav
424 posts
 

Can be done. You will need at least a better power cable and software like Audirvana to get good results. A dedicated music server such as Melco is still better but the Mini is hard to beat for the price. I had fun with mine for a while. 

mrjayvoper OP
1 posts
 

@sns what's lps? Is there too much jitter on the build in USB? Would a USB "cleaner"  like Schiit "wyrd"?

 

@spenav  why a better power cable? Is there something wrong with the figure 8 that's included? 

sns
3,205 posts
 

External lps and internal dc power supplies, in my case Uptone MMK and JS-2. Jitter is only part of the problem with using the usb out, noise on motherboard, especially with stock power supply and no OS optimization.

 

This is why I'd bet on RP device to be superior to stock mini, RP simpler, quieter than mini. Getting mini to good server status require decent outlay of cash and pretty good diy skills. RP devices are plentiful and relatively cheap.

 

I'm a modder and diy, so modded mini is right up my alley. If not into this and want to spend some cash, many good off the shelf servers, streamers in similar price range of modded mini.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 

Macmini is much cheaper?

So you crappin’?

The only true fact is that it is much noisier.

Check with Paul McGowan. He used a customized MacMini for years. Then he switched to Innous Zen while building one from the ground up

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