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Apple TV vs. Apple Mini

I am currently running a couple of Apple TV's with external DAC's as well as one Airport Express connected to powered speakers using the analog out on that device.

In the Amarra vs. Pure Music thread, I noted that I can't get Pure Music to play wirelessly. It made me wonder how great a sonic advantage running a Mac Mini to a USB Dac (I have a PS Audio DAC III connected via Wireworld toslink in one system)

I love the video aspects of the Apple TV and its interface with iTunes, but wondered how much I am missing. I have a couple of reasonably high resolving systems (McIntosh MA 6900, Martin Logan Ascets/Descent sub, Synergistic Research cabling in one system, Magunm Dynalab MD 208 Receiver, EPOS M5's, Kimber cables in the other).

I could use an iPod with Remote to control both.

Worth the bother? Any way to preserve the video interface while controlling iTunes?
bbopman
gherrera1
88 posts
 
When researching ATV audio playback, I found a website out of Hong Kong called Odyssey Audio, I think, that created a small USB dongle filter for the ATV.

Basically, the USB power is shared internally with the toslink transmitter in the ATV. The Dongle had some capacitors that filtered the +5V USB power rail, which in turn, cleaned up power going to the toslink transmitter. Apparently, this resulted in a better sounding digital output.

I've been meaning to build a filter, but I never find the time.
dlwask
270 posts
 
I just returned my Airport Express and literally stood in the store for an hour debating on the Apple TV vs Mac Mini. I opted for the Apple TV as I really just want a music server at its most basic level - hard disc storage, digital out and a slick user interface. I like that I can sync a library off my PC into the Apple TV and play it back off its internal hard drive.

The Apple TV is a slick multi media device and could not be easier to set up.
macallan7
70 posts
 
This is interesting to me. I recently switched from a DVD Changer into a Channel Island DAC to an Apple TV into the same DAC. I was under the impression that the DAC was ultimately responsible for the sound but I swear it actually sounds better. The only change other than the Apple TV is the switch from coaxial from the DVD to optical from the ATV. Is it possible that the ATV sounds better than my DVD changer as a transport?
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