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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.

cshadow
indranilsen
113 posts
 
That is very correct @sns. That is also why I didn't move in the direction of upgrading my MacMini. Instead I got a purpose built music server Roon Nucleus Plus to replace the MacMini. However the MacMini performance in the way I was using was not bad at all and if I didn't compare it with the Roon Nucleus I wouldn't feel the need for an immediate upgrade.
Thanks.
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sns
3,262 posts
 
tvad, I don't have direct answer since my RenoLabs switch has built in LPS. Prior to switch, I fed NAS and server directly from router. I can say adding an LPS to router was very worthwhile upgrade, continue to use on router since addition of switch. Based on that, and many users claims that LPS improves switches I presume it would.

I'd expect both generic switch and audiophile switchs that comes standard with switching power supply to benefit from LPS. All switching power supplies will feed garbage back into AC circuit, using LPS on any equipment shared with rest of system AC will be of benefit. The smallest benefit for me was on the fiber media converters, but still worthwhile.
Speaking of LPS, I've been curious as to whether adding an LPS to a modem would be worthwhile. I presently don't run my modem on system ac line, so not worried about garbage feeding in.  I just wonder if LPS is still of benefit beyond the issue of switching power supplies feeding garbage?
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indranilsen
113 posts
 
Recently I have done some testing with LPS (Keces P8) connecting it to Nucleus Plus, audiophile switch Etherregen and I have mixed results. It worked very well with Nuclues Plus but not so much with the audiophile switch Etherregen. But I am still not a 100% sure that a LPS wouldn’t work well with Etherregen. This is due to the fact that I used a dual output LPS to power Etherregen and Nucleus Plus and it is possible that Keces LPS design is less than optimal to eliminate noise in this dual power supply mode. I intend to test this combination with a single 12V output LPS and confirm the result. 
Powering router with a LPS is an interesting combination that I haven’t tested it. Given that I have Etherregen in between router and my Bricasti DAC the upstream noise at the router level shouldn’t matter but you don’t know unless you test it. It is there in my list of items to try with a lower priority…Thanks
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