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Why Mac Mini Over Slim Systems Products?

Here are my thoughts. Please let me know if they make sense:

1) Using a Mac Mini for a music server is superior to slim systems duet or squeezebox if you are interested in playing high resolution files (I am).

2) Mac Mini and the Transporter both do high resolution, but Mac Mini would likely provide more universal access to things out there on the web.

3) Now with the ability to use the itouch as a remote control, the Mac Mini has just as much remote functionality as the slim systems stuff. You will still need a screen and keyboard for startup though.

4) It is better to use the USB out of the Mac Mini than the optical mini plug (I don't know why this is true, it may not be true, I've just seen it several times).

IF all these statements are true, then I want to go the Mac Mini route. I have a spare monitor and keyboard. Now I would just need to figure out the DAC question. Please advise re the above. Thanks, Peter
peter_s

Showing 3 responses by merlocpm

merlocpm
44 posts
 
I previously had an Ipod Classic hooked up to a Wadia 170i transport. Couldn't believe the sound. It was hooked up with a good coax cable to my DAC. Due to screen size and convenience I just bought a mac mini and have it connected to my DAC via optical out. I have a glass toslink cable attached to my DAC

Soundwise right now it's not as smooth. The highs are a bit harsher right now. I'm trying to figure out whether it's the cable or the jitter or whether I should switch to coax or USB???
merlocpm
44 posts
 
Unfortunately my CI Audio VDA2 DAC has only coax/optical input. It was very good sounding with the Wadia transport through coax. I am using a glass optical cable, however am using a mini toslink adapter which I think might be compromising the sound. The rest of my system is an Arcam AVR300 hooked up to MA RS6 speakers. I was thinking of getting a HagUSB or BC Thingee to see about converting the USB to coax
merlocpm
44 posts
 
I did try contacting the distributor in Canada for Van Den Hul but they will need to order it in. In the meantime, I took out my Sound Professionals glass optical cable and substituted the Belkin optical cable that came with the mini toslink adapter. Better improvement. Actually more musical. There might be synergy between the two versus a different cable. Definitely a better combo now. Less fatiguing on the ears. Strange though. I didn't think the Belkin would be better.

I might try the BC Thingee so I can try my Luminous Audio Allegro Sig. coax cable. Great copper cable
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