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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
objective1
95 posts
 
I'll start with a ditto....

I did a vista based mini-pc from Aopen (same footprint as a mac mini - basically a laptop computer in a desktop case). Ran the digital output through the mini toslink (van den hul - nice cable) to a Bel Canto Dac3.

All my rips are either full resolution or ALAC ripped with EAC.

Sound was great (into krell/wilson).

Control was great.

The PC was on the network, and as i sit at another computer in the room, i can take control of the music server and make it do whatever i want.. Including taking advantage of internet radio broadcasts in HD.

I think a dedicated device for a music server, other than a computer (Mac or PC) is short sighted and destined to be outdated faster than the computer.
cmo
471 posts
 
tagging on too..... thanks
thymanst
35 posts
 
Surfing this post while listening to music ripped to my mac mini (apple lossless thru itunes) Just ripped the songs I like off disks (and downloaded) and have 6 days worth of greatest hits
kbamhi
39 posts
 

I have been following the AG PC Audio Threads for a little while now and I would admit that a bunch of this is over my head at the present. However it would seem to me that most if not all of these systems you guys have assembled could be characterized as fabricated by early adopters.

Wouldn't you think that in the not too distant future there will be at least several high end "all in one components" that will accomplish what you guys are doing and possibly for less ? I am really trying to decide whether to jump on the Mac Mini bus or not.

Not to take anything away from you guys. I'm in awe of the systems you guys put togther.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hokhost
13 posts
 
I had a Transporter, but because of the slimserver interface and the sound (inferior to my old DAC), I decided to sell it.

I tried the Mac Mini + Macbook as the "remote" (and other things), and I am really pleased with this combo. Never thought I would use a Mac, but well ... even a PC guy can change. Mac are more expensive but they work without any major tweaking. In the end, I have good sound, ease of use, nice design and a reliable laptop (MacBook) / music server (Mac Mini).
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