@Calvinandhobbes
I did the exact same thing with the same result (though with different hardware). Easy and cheap upgrade for sure.
I did the exact same thing with the same result (though with different hardware). Easy and cheap upgrade for sure.
Streamer vs. new mac mini for 2 channel system
Hi audio friends,
I LOVE the functionality of my mac mini with my 2 channel system: Exasound 62e DAC, Modwright ls100 pre, Coda continuum 8 power amp and Wilson Sabrina speakers. Being able to navigate with mouse and keyboard from my listening position is infinitely better than using a tablet or some mickey mouse app with my phone.
The issue is the mac mini. Clearly this is not the best transport, however I want to use my 2 channel system for more than just streaming roon. I listen to soundcloud a lot to learn about new music and when I watch tv I want to utilize the stereo for netflix, crave etc. My Dac has only 1 usb in and obviously an optical + s/pdif, but the fidelity is just not as good with the other inputs.
I almost pulled the trigger on a Lumin U1 mini, but again I do not see how this transport will improve fidelity, without limiting overall functionality. How do I bring a new mac mini to a place where it can compete with a dedicated transport like the lumin, or is this even a reasonable suggestion?
Looking to optimize the system in the most efficient way.
Confused - any suggestions would be much appreciated.
I LOVE the functionality of my mac mini with my 2 channel system: Exasound 62e DAC, Modwright ls100 pre, Coda continuum 8 power amp and Wilson Sabrina speakers. Being able to navigate with mouse and keyboard from my listening position is infinitely better than using a tablet or some mickey mouse app with my phone.
The issue is the mac mini. Clearly this is not the best transport, however I want to use my 2 channel system for more than just streaming roon. I listen to soundcloud a lot to learn about new music and when I watch tv I want to utilize the stereo for netflix, crave etc. My Dac has only 1 usb in and obviously an optical + s/pdif, but the fidelity is just not as good with the other inputs.
I almost pulled the trigger on a Lumin U1 mini, but again I do not see how this transport will improve fidelity, without limiting overall functionality. How do I bring a new mac mini to a place where it can compete with a dedicated transport like the lumin, or is this even a reasonable suggestion?
Looking to optimize the system in the most efficient way.
Confused - any suggestions would be much appreciated.
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- 59 posts total
“I use this Empirical Audio Off-Ramp 5 between my laptop and DAC. It does exactly what you’re looking for. Substantial improvement - especially, with an aftermarket LPS”. +1, @ghdprentice. Using a Laptop or Mac for streaming is equivalent to listening Vinyl on a Crosley. And a ‘device’ to optimize streaming from a PC or Mac is like putting a lipstick on a pig. Have at it, you will eventually see the day light! |
I started with a Mac Mini. Not sure if I had a optimal setup. I bought a modest Bluesound Node 2. Even with it's mediocre onboard Dac, it just blew the Mini away. I hooked up a Ayre Codex dac to the Node2 and have never looked back, although I may look for a quality one box music server such as Lumin or Innuous. |
- 59 posts total