Wolf Audio Luna R. Made in the usa. Family biz. And unleash the power of sq of your dac.. also its a super powerful mini computer.
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.
- ...
- 59 posts total
I think there are a couple of re-clockers and electrical filters you can add between your Mac Mini and your dac. This could improve the sound. Sonore also has optical networks that will reduce the risk of any electrical noise going into your dac. A bit expensive but may be a perfect solution. https://sonore.us/opticalModule-Deluxe.html |
you are looking at this the wrong way. Its not the Mac that is the issue (in over a dozen years running over multiple Macs, never have had any crashing/issues), its USB. If you look at the different threads about using USB, you will see hundreds if not thousands of $$$ of hardware to try to make USB sound any good. The other issue, why would anybody have a computer/streamer (its just a computer running a proprietary OS) in their audio room? Its because most people use USB. I've been thru using Macs with pure music/audirvana over a dozen years ago, then went the music server/usb Mac route, then back to using Roon on Mac or linux but using ethernet to the dac. There are other things to think about like using fiber not copper for internet, never use wifi, and get a good ethernet cable. If you have to use a server in your audio room, then use I2S instead of USB. |
- 59 posts total