I might be wrong. It's just my opinion, but look at architecture of M2 vs Intel. Intel has 4 USB ports. M2 has 2. On intel MACs there is a chip set ( I believe this degrades the sound)which works as a bridge between CPU and USB. On M2 I believe USBs are connected directly to CPU internals. Plus the processing power and much simplified power supply(less noise) and less parts/chips contributing to noise and better sound. I might be wrong, but that's my feeling. After upgrading power supply on M2 the difference was subtle vs doing same on Intel Macs was very audible. I also have to clarify I am talking about aluminum a little bigger and flatter MAC mini M2 not the newest square ones. Never tried the square M2s which has only USB C connections.
Streamer Options Needed
This question is a spinoff from this previous post: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-from-martin-logan-sequel-ii-s-to
Since I decided to double my speaker budget, I will have to wait later in the year or perhaps 2026 for that purchase.
With that said, based on the comments from the previous post I am now looking at a streamer.
As stated before, I’m using a 2018 MacMini to stream Qobuz and passing it to the McIntosh C49’s built In DAC (for now at least). Streamer options to consider are: I do not, nor will I have digital music files stored anywhere so I do not need that option. I do not own or want to use a Tablet. I am a Boomer so I would like to steer away of phone apps.
Ideally I would love the MacMini to control the Qobuz connected streamer that is connected to the C49 DAC.
Just for starters I played with a WiiM Ultra using the Mac OS Beta App. Not too bad, the Mac App controls the WiiM’s music library functions and most settings but not Qobuz. The phone app pretty much uses Qobuz and directs the stream to the WiiM then to the C49 DAC.
I would like to keep the cost under 3K.
Also, If they’re any suggestions on how to make the MacMini sound a bit better I will take those as well. Currently using BitPerfect. Are they any other programs that work similar to BitPerfect they bypass the Computers Audio Engine.
Sorry for the long winded post. So much knowledge to gain.
Suggestions please!!!!
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I do recall not all the usb ports same sound quality, one with shortest path was Irecommended. And I could see this as an advantage with M2 if usb is indeed connected directly to cpu, interfaces are extremely important in obtaining best SQ.
Whatever the case with mini sound quality, devoid virtually any contemporary support for mods from the aftermarket, and Apple's continual move towards making diy nearly impossible mini's are virtually obsolete as viable alternative to off the shelf. |
How did Holo Red compare with the rest of the gang? Han commented that the Red is surprisingly clean with sibilance. Did you find that to be the case? |
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