Turn an Intel macmini into a music server

Can be done. You will need at least a better power cable and software like Audirvana to get good results. A dedicated music server such as Melco is still better but the Mini is hard to beat for the price. I had fun with mine for a while. 

@sns what's lps? Is there too much jitter on the build in USB? Would a USB "cleaner"  like Schiit "wyrd"?

@spenav  why a better power cable? Is there something wrong with the figure 8 that's included? 

External lps and internal dc power supplies, in my case Uptone MMK and JS-2. Jitter is only part of the problem with using the usb out, noise on motherboard, especially with stock power supply and no OS optimization.

This is why I'd bet on RP device to be superior to stock mini, RP simpler, quieter than mini. Getting mini to good server status require decent outlay of cash and pretty good diy skills. RP devices are plentiful and relatively cheap.

I'm a modder and diy, so modded mini is right up my alley. If not into this and want to spend some cash, many good off the shelf servers, streamers in similar price range of modded mini.

Macmini is much cheaper?

So you crappin’?

The only true fact is that it is much noisier.

Check with Paul McGowan. He used a customized MacMini for years. Then he switched to Innous Zen while building one from the ground up

@mrjayvoper 

Nothing wrong with the “figure 8 cable” per se. You just need a better one than what the Mini comes with. Pangea makes a good one for not too much money.  Hope that helps.