Upstream Bottlenecks, Experience, Opinions, Meitner Dac

SNS,

I did purchase a package from core. You are absolutely correct, the mm is out of gas. It seems with each upgrade, the machine runs slower. I don’t mind spending for and SGC or nuc plus ???, but I think u r suggesting that an optimized mm might be better sounding. Looking forward to your comparison with optical. I also appreciate your usage of other terms such as PCIe. Thanks,I’ve educated myself. 
I would even package up my present mm and lps, or purchase a new one and have it hot rodded  if I knew where to send. 
In the meantime, I’ll follow your lead over to the forum. 

Thanks sns, I’m a retired vet so it also comes with the territory. Taking your advice and going direct. Next purchase lps for router. Have to ask, tried external hd via usb to ma3, Meitner auto switches to network, no problem, sound amazing, just what keeps the usb setting usb on the ma3? Thanks 

@dicokrum, an SGC server is on the short list  I was attempting to make sure I wasn’t short changing myself in the near future as I’m not one that swaps out gear frequently. Sure would like to remove peripherals as in external storage.  Best  DaveH

Hi Delma, yes sorry ma3. Your experience is what I was hoping to hear. The Meitner gear removes some or all of the Ethernet noise tweaks. Have you changed the ps cable from stock? Thank you 

Thanks bliss, makes sense. Yes, I have been using the original usb curious  cable for some time now. Along with Liederman USBe Perfect for jitter reduction. The sound is extraordinary. Will insert the Meitner tomorrow. I’ll investigate EMM. 

delm,

will do about the same on my end. Thanks 

sns, thanks for your sincere assistance. I purchased the Mac mini in 2013, from a now out of business “Core Audio”. I believe they disabled, modded everything that was known at the time, running Audirvana. I have to say, the sound is amazing from the ripped files. I had used the firewire port when I owned an Orpheus mixing Dac. I’m now using the PueAudio Lotus 5 Dac usb to mini, Co-ax to Transport.
MM LPS, there is no indication as to what I purchased from the Core Audio people but it cost me about 1500, 8-9 years ago and it’s hard wired to the mini. I had a mini previously that was stolen in a divorce and had that one on an external ps but not hard wired. I had brought it to a Mac store for a reason I can’t remember and before I could say wait, don’t hook it to your ps, they plugged it in an sparks flew in the store and the mini was done. It was replaced and modded by the Core Audio Co again to which it is now hardwired.
If I knew how to bridge the firewire port as second Ethernet I would do it.
I may try today to power up the MA3,

The problem I have with Audirvana is I am unable to get another hd to function as the one spinning now is old. I know it’s an issue within the minis software but it’s a bit beyond me knowledge base. I have Synology Drives that are now incompatible with the newest Mac OS. The MM is often slow and I’m getting done with the boot ups and shut downs. I really can’t go down the 7-17K server path, maybe as suggested, server with AES output.
Shielded cable is grounded at both ends or one end floats, I mean the shield floats on one end or not. ? Thanks for listening.

Just hooking up Meitner now. My minds been pre occupied as have dog under radiation for nasal malignancy. Have issue with Mac seeing Meitner in sound preferences, midi etc. version Big Sur. What obvious procedure don’t I see? 

Thanks all for your well received comments and helpful insight. Therefore, would the implied generalizations run along the lines that the MA3 is effectively used as a streaming Dac with direct Ethernet input, usb for ripped files, and a dedicated server of one’s financial capability? PC’s, Isolation support, and clean electric understood. 

Finally configured. Just hit pay dirt, holy cow. Stevie Ray, Tin Pan Alley. I’m on my way. 

Thanks Steakster,

wally recommended using it on the ext hd. I think I’ll hold off for now. LPS for router, a couple of shielded pc’s and a Quobuz Rx and done for now. Let’s the new ingredients settle in. Thanks for your support. DaveH

Someone mentioned interest in a sub $300 LPS in another thread or forum and  zerozone was mentioned.   I’m taking a gamble and placed an order in for a Zerozone 100VA 12V Ultra Low Noise LPS HI-END Linear Power Supply from China, under $200 after shipping. eBay. For router use. Will power it with a shielded Signal Cable.

@ghasley , you are so correct, so many variables they could ultimately have a net negative effect. Lots to try and notes to take. Beware of analysis paralysis.