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. 

@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. 

Power Cord will make a difference did with my Simaudio 680D. 

Forget about the recommendation of I9 and OR, forgot you have streaming dac!

Anyway, still try to get MM up and running. Another option if I were in your shoes is Antipodes K series, not the K50 as you don't need rendering capabilities. One of the other Antipodes K series is server only, can't recall the model. I believe it has two ethernet ports, perfect for going straight out to your Meitner. Or you could compare to use with audiophile switch, Antipodes or MM with bridged port> Meitner, or Antipodes/MM>switch>Meitner. The interesting thing with the two port ethernet server is ability to connect direct vs switch. Direct is most straight wire path, least chance for added noise and complexity vs switch, added complexity, possibility of less noise as audiophile switch should be less than router noise. And I believe Antipodes network port more optimized than MM firewire port, really makes comparison interesting. Now, if you absolutely require a switch in your setup, makes this all moot. I that case, any number of servers will do, with no rendering required with your server, and no two network ports are of great benefit since you're already running router AND switch. The direct connection is really only of consequence if NOT running switch like I am. I only bring this up at all because adding an audiophile switch was detrimental to sound quality in my server direct to streamer with router powered by lps.

If you do go route of replacement for MM, most any server will do, unless running dsp, something like HQPLayer which requires high processing power. Otherwise running server on LPS most critical issue.

Above posts in regard to running straight out of router may be great as well, they understand Meitner capabilities. Looks like user interface is greatest liability.