Turn an Intel macmini into a music server
- It'll be exclusively used for music listening
- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work)
- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software
- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)
- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.
Thanks in advance for the help.
- It'll be exclusively used for music listening
- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work. My Linux use is limited to terminal)
- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software
- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)
- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.
Thanks in advance for the help.
+1 RP > MacMini. Fighting noise in a Mac is pushing a rock up a mountain....you can do it, but why waste the energy. Many use Volumio with PI. diyaudio.com has many threads on point. Allo hat or similar is a nice upgrade, but I would save $ for linear power supply with any streamer first. Cheers, Spencer |
Precisely!! Charles |
Well, it all depends on whether OP looking for something approaching audiophile quality or only for convenience. Just do the mini or Rpi he already has, do minimal cost free upgrades and compare the two.
The Rpi would be superior if willing to put out minimal amount of cash for upgrades, mini will require large outlay of cash.
Almost forgot, I owned Okto Dac 8 stereo with built in Rpi streamer, compared to my Musetec 005 going through SOTM SMS200Neo (both used mini as server only), Dac 8 was very, very nice, far better than my expectations at the time. While I was only using rpi as streamer, vs SOTM, rpi acquitted itself quite well against the $450 SOTM. |
I would not use the RPi3+. It has the USB and the Ethernet running on the same bus. It is very noisy. Even with something like an isolator/noise reducer and an IFI power cleaner, I still found it noisy. When I switched to a custom build with a linear PS the difference in noise and background was substantial. |
@jgoldrick Good catch, forgot about that issue with some RP |
