If you do decide to try HQPlayer, the Roon community forum is a good resource for setup and configuration. In fact, whenever I need support, I rarely go directly to the HQP site, I go to the Roon forum (https://community.roonlabs.com/) Many participants use the Mac Mini (or have used it in the past) to run Roon Core, HQPlayer desktop, or both.
Mac Mini As A Streaming Source
I have been looking to add a digital streaming source to my sound system and so am VERY new to this process. But, from what I see the variety is mind boggling and there is no complete device out there that would do CD/SACD playback, plus all available music streaming apps, plus Roon.
I use apple music for high res/lossless streaming on my phone, especially their new classical service as that is my primary listening, so compatibility with this app is mandatory. This, however, seems to eliminate every single digital streamer out there. But, am I missing something?
So, what are the thoughts on using a mac mini for a dedicated source, linked to a DAC? I can put all of the streaming apps there, and install Roon there, and put my existing CD ripped files on the hard drive. Connect to the internet over wifi.
What output cable would I use to connect to the internal DAC on my Mark Levinsion 585.5?
Could everything be operated with an Ipad running Roon, without the need for keyboards?
The only thing missing would be CD playback, but could that be accomplished using a DVD/Blu Ray reader attached to the Mac?
Any help on this would be appreciated!
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Thanks a lot @lalitk and @tk21 ! Funny enough, yesterday, I read a page on how to configure HQPlayer as a zone in Roon. I’m going to do that in order to see what kind of improvement I hear over the Roon engine. $299 is pretty cheap compared the cost of the LinQ, lol. At some point, I will try to audition the LinQ to see how much of a difference it makes in my system. First, I need to get my monster amp back from the shop. The sound quality just isn’t the same without Class A. |
Well, I think I just wasted $299. I purchased a copy of HQPlayer for my Mac Mini, set it up, picked CoreAudio output and connected the USB output to my Aqua Formula. Well, it fights with the Aqua Formula device I had set up so I disabled that device. Still, no sound. The Aqua Formula supports CoreAudio so I think it should work but perhaps I am mistaken.
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- 59 posts total