Streamers are just expensive computers. Mini Mac does a great job. I use Audirvana (highly recommended) to bypass the computers internal sound card using Exclusive mode. Works great!
for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?
Hello and thanks for your help. I have been trying to figure out how to best stream to my set up and looked at many alternatives, all the conflicting posts etc etc. I just wonder why one cannot use a computer with a device for good galvanic isolation, and rely on the clock within the DAC to eliminate issues of jitter. If one is worried about SQ only (not the features of the software) what is wrong with this simple set up? I bought a mac mini with extra memory (had dropouts until I upped the memory) and use an Innuos device for galvanic isolation. The Innuos has no external power supply and is built to use the power from the input USB, so no power in at that point (suppose a different device with linear power supply might make an improvement). I run a 3 foot long USB to the Innuous to keep noise away from my stuff. All power cords and interconnects are shielded and show nothing when I use a sniffer, even the one for the computer (you can get one of those from a company focused on people worried about EMI and health). I have Roon on the mini, and use the mini as the Roon server. When I use WiFi rather than an ethernet connection there are no dropouts; I assume that is better than bringing in noise from ethernte. Thanks for your help - a mac mini is not cheap, but costs far less than high end streamers. Do people pay for the file management etc, or is the SQ better with a dedicated streamer? (My setup: RME ADI2 or Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II pre, McIntosh 462 power amp).
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I have a late model M1 Macmini streaming into an RME ADI2 and it sounds pretty darn good. As @ghdprentice suggests the only way to know if it can get better is to sub in a high level streamer, but I think you could be at a level where it will be hard to discern any difference. The M1 mini is much more efficient and quiet than earlier ones. You've got some very nice equipment, try to let go of your FOMO and enjoy the music. |
FOMO is a real threat. I am getting into DIY. The next goal is to find a good high efficiency speaker and build SET amplifiers - lot to learn. This post is more about trying to understand what is happening, and how these things are engineered. I think working with tube amps that sound good by virtue of their simplicity would be a good place to go. I agree that being happy now with the big thing in the living room is great advice. Even my wife likes it now - just asked for written instructions on turning on and off. Now that is rare and lucky. |
They are better because they a engineered for audio, not computing. So simple it evades you? Apple has shown to be cavalier about SQ. If it’s good enough enjoy. I listened to computer/DAC sound for many years before moving on. If something is better, only an engineer/designer should care why. To tell the truth I don’t give a rat’s ass.
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