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Novice needs Mac Mini and DAC advice

Stereo Boys, I really really need some advice. In the past 18 months, I've loaded all in on this hobby and in that short time span have gone from birth to a full blown, fairly high end system and now I'm integrating a Mac Mini server into the mix. My mind is blown with too much information and I'm losing it over which DAC will give me the best bang with a budget anywhere from $800 to $4000. I'm told that the Ayre and Wavelength don't really outperform the lower cost DACs by a huge margin. I need a shot of the truth. And I'm looking for plug and play. I'm not that conversant with all the technical science involved in all of this. I just want a clean, high res sound. Please help!!
moonshot
gregfisk
118 posts
 
Devilboy, thank's for the positive input, I'm really looking forward to trying it in my system. I really like the magic tonal qualities of the Havana but it lacks some detail on involved music. I like the Evo but will get the stack with the outboard clock and power supply as that is what I understand makes the Evo a first class product.

Bob, you are welcome to come by and I will have the Octave by then. I wouldn't wait if you want the deal on the Octave as my understanding a couple of weeks ago is that they only had 20 left. You have to order direct from the Netherlands to get the low price.

Enjoy your spring break trip.

Greg
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Hi Devilboy.

I noticed you run a Mac Mini into an Audiophilleo, into a Metrum Octave. Are you using Audionirvana+ in Integer Mode? I have an Octave and plan on getting an Audiophilleo, and have been reading about Integer Mode in A+. It is my understanding in such setup the AP is the one that needs to be able to run in Integer Mode (which the AP does), but the Octave doesn't need to be. Am I right?
moonshot OP
13 posts
 
Greg;

Bob Hovanes KZOK - KISW - Then I moved from raising hell to raising 9 year old twins - Payback time.

-Bob
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,535 posts
 
Don't forget the April Music Eximus DP1. It has all you need in one package. No kidding. Read the Six Moons very detailed review and see why it was their top choice among many of the DAC's mention here.
uberchurl
3 posts
 
I stream lossless FLAC files from my iMac through a Scott Nixon TD2.2 tube DAC with the 4Xac power supply upgrade and it sounds amazing. For a quality DAC well under $1000, I haven't found a better sounding one than Scott's. I like the fact that each one is hand built by him, the designer.
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