Upstream Bottlenecks, Experience, Opinions, Meitner Dac

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.

Directions for bridging firewire port, https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/

I previously owned mini with Core Audio internal and external power supplies, diy install. I believe Core likely did operating system optimization if purchased as package direct from them. I bet you're running seriously out of date operating system with your mini. Pretty easy to update OS with Macs, although you may lose OS optimizations with update, I do know 2013 mini can run latest OS, Monterey. I run Synology NAS, no issues running with latest Mac OS.

The issues you're having with MM point to the problem with diy server, steep learning curve if not computer savvy. Audiophilestyle forum has people that can provide help. I expect you're at end of life with present MM without the OS update, everything can be resolved with OS upgrade. I'd go with OS upgrade if I were in your shoes, mini's pretty nice with full upgrades and modifications, with your Core Audio, already half way there.

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. 

@bigwave1 I'd go for upgrade of operating system to start with. Mac OS upgrades not that difficult, go to an Apple forum to learn how. Now, the one issue is since your present OS optimized in some form, may not seamlessly or even be able to do OS upgrade, in which case you bricked your MM. At this point you'd need to install new ssd with latest Mac OS installed, also doable. I could directly guide you on this via private email, can't provide any direct service to you as breaks Audiogon rules as far as selling services or products. So, best and safest path for you, assuming you brick present ssd doing OS upgrade is install of fresh OS on another ssd. This requires physically removing old ssd and installation of new ssd (ssd is your hard drive). PCIe is simply another form of ssd, not sure 2013 MM capable of using, not something to worry about at this point in any case.

So, personally, I'd keep MM and perform the OS upgrade, assuming you can diy or find someone who provides service. Ask at audiophilestyle forum as that is goto forum for streaming, dedicated to computer audio. You could also speak to Mojo Audio or Alex at Uptone audio, both have experience with MM upgrades, may be able to help you or put you in touch with someone who could.

If this all seems too daunting, you could get another server, NUC would be lateral move IMO, so would most others at sub $5k. I'd consider Sonictransporter I9 an upgrade, very nice processor and optical out built in, also has built in hard drives for storage if present Synology is too much hassle. You can simply transfer your present HD's in synology to I9. Get OpticalRendu as streamer and you have first class setup, Keep in mind this designed to be used with Roon. You could run Audirvana, but would require some diy work. This all runs $5k.

So, if prepared to spend some money, get I9 or some other server, or save yourself the money, keep MM and prepare for some diy work. While it may be possible to simply pack up MM for hotrodding, not sure I'd count on it. Best bet is the diy attempt at new OS install on present ssd. Other easy route would be to get someone to sell you new ssd with present mac OS already loaded, requires the physical removal and install of ssd, special tools required as well. Go to ifixit.com for videos and pictures that will illustrate whats required.

Wish I could help you directly, I could get that mini up and running in little time.

@bigwave1 I also own the MA3 and totally agree with @delm. Start with using the internal streamer connected to your router via Ethernet cable. The included  MConnect app’s user interface is bare bones but sounds great when streaming Tidal and Qobuz. I haven’t yet done a deep dive on Ethernet filtering/reclocking enhancements but the  MA3 sounds very good straight out of my router.
 

I found the MA3 to be sensitive to the quality of both the Ethernet cable and power cord. I use a Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Reference Ethernet cable and their Tesla Hologram D power cord. Depending on the tonal balance of the rest of your system, the Shunyata Sigma Ethernet cable will provide a tonally fuller sound at the expense of some air and sparkle compared the the SR Atmosphere X Reference.