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Dedicated Music server vs Mac mini on a Devialet via Ethernet (AIR) connection

Roon and Tidal are working fine now via AIR (EtH) in a Devialet 200. My only digital source is a Mac mini 2012/16GB RAM/ SSD - AIR (eth) direct in. My speakers: Raidho X1.

My concern is that the Mac Mini is not optimized for audio so I wonder what upgrade path to take.

Either I tweak the MM with software and new LPS. But I wonder if that's worth it as I'm not using the USB input on the DEVialet. USB is known for its electric interference. But is not Ethernet a lot cleaner?? a proper Paul Hynes SR5 would cost about €700,-?

The other route is going for a standalone server like Innuos or Sonictransporter i5. (€700-€900) Would that offer a significant improvement on SQ over Ethernet?
If so, what switch is recommended? they also tend to perform better with a better PSU!?

Or just go for a cheap NUC? (€100-200)

Requirements: able to handle Roon core.

My goal is to improve SQ on a budget, but improvement should be significant as in better transparency/separation.
What upgrade path would you choose??
128x128roestano
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
you can put an LPS in the mac mini
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I doubt if tweaks to the Mini will have any effect.  I have a maxxed-out Mini for USB, but I don't believe it has any effect when I play through Ethernet.

If you want an effect, put a fast responding LPS with earth ground connected to DC common on your Router and then wire direct to the DAC from the Router.

There are ways to do this with WIFI also, but it's a trade secret.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

erik_squires
16,061 posts
 
The biggest issues with the Mac Mini seems to be the power supply. If you can solve that, either by using it on battery only or getting a linear supply you are good.

Best,

E
roestano's avatar
roestano OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for your input Steve, but I believe the Devialet works best when the Mac is connected directly via ethernet. And use wifi for Tidal.
Otherwise ethernet is probably overloaded when functioning both as download(TIDAL) and upstreaming (DAC).
So the router is only connected via wifi. Would there still be gains with a LPS on the router?

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