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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
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dbphd
1,631 posts
 
shadorne,  I'm using Roon to send files from my iMac via ethernet over home wiring to an Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC.  The SQ is excellent, especially with downloaded DSD files.  I've wondered if it might be better to store the files on my Mac Mini and connect it directly to the QX-5 via an ethernet cable.  As I understand your post, the answer is no, given the QX-5 is processing received files to analog, it that correct?

db 
avlee
84 posts
 
Just a couple notes:

if your Ethernet DAC is anything like a Merging Technoloies DAC, jitter is not an issue. That’s probably the biggest advantage of Ethernet DACs. 

The other thing, a 24/192 file uses (I believe) about 2000 kbps (2Mbps).  The cheapest routers today push 100 Mbps, and frankly, anything even remotely modern is pushing 1 Gbps. Even a 2010 Mac Mini has a 100 Mbps Ethernet Socket. To put it in perspective, Merging Tech can play DSD256 *multichannel* to multiple DACs from one NAS.  

Bottom line, don’t worry about bandwidth. 
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
@dbphd  

I would expect the sound quality to be the same via the iMac or the Mac Mini if configured the same.


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dbphd
1,631 posts
 
Thanks, shadorne.  The only difference in configuration would be ethernet through house wiring v direct cable from Mini.

db
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