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Mac Mini As A Streaming Source

I have been looking to add a digital streaming source to my sound system and so am VERY new to this process.  But, from what I see the variety is mind boggling and there is no complete device out there that would do CD/SACD playback, plus all available music streaming apps, plus Roon.

I use apple music for high res/lossless streaming on my phone, especially their new classical service as that is my primary listening, so compatibility with this app is mandatory.  This, however, seems to eliminate every single digital streamer out there.  But, am I missing something?

So, what are the thoughts on using a mac mini for a dedicated source, linked to a DAC?  I can put all of the streaming apps there, and install Roon there, and put my existing CD ripped files on the hard drive. Connect to the internet over wifi.

What output cable would I use to connect to the internal DAC on my Mark Levinsion 585.5?

Could everything be operated with an Ipad running Roon, without the need for keyboards?

The only thing missing would be CD playback, but could that be accomplished using  a DVD/Blu Ray reader attached to the Mac?

Any help on this would be appreciated!

gwhphoto
larrykell
122 posts
 

I think I've been down this road before with you, the HDMI road, lol. My DAC does not have an HDMI input, although it has many other inputs. Look up the Aqua Formula. The thing sounds great, by the way. 

Roon does an excellent job of controlling all my playback so I don't have to struggle with apps running on the Mac Mini. 

I can't believe AirPlay provides good quality playback. I tried to stream from a dedicated streaming app for a radio station over AirPlay to the Mac and it dropped all the time so I gave up. 

femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 

I use a M1 Mac Mini as a Roon core tied to a home network. I have a Lumin U2 Mini as the streamer. I run the whole thing with my iPad. It works perfectly. No issues streaming Qobuz, Tidal, or accessing all my Ripped files.

I have a separate SACD player to handle all the CDs and SACDs that i still own and purchase. 

jerrybj
869 posts
 

I was running Tidal through Audirvana on my MacBook Pro using USB via a Halide Bridge USB to S/PDIF converter.

Had the dilemma of upgrading to a Mac Mini.

Instead switched to Qobuz and USB Hard Drive, and bought a (relatively) cheap Project Stream Box S2 Ultra. Huge improvement.

jerrybj
869 posts
 

Now sorting out an Intel Nuc to run Roon.

ghdprentice
7,292 posts
 

OP,

Let’s start from scratch here.
 

You have a good piece of high end audio equipment, the Mark Levinsion 585.5. You do not want to be hooking that up with iPads, laptops or PCs. These are very low quality sources and will be reflected in the output you get.

Apple music and others through a phone or iPads are great for travel and headphones.

 

There has been a huge amount of change in the digital arena over the last ten or fifteen years. I have had all sorts of these things along the way.

 

Today, if you were going to assemble a digital system you would buy a streamer and a DAC. No CDs, or SACDs. These players are transports + streamers + DAC.

 

At nearly all price levels a good quality purpose built streamer with Qobuz can sound as good as a vinyl, CD, or SACD system. Buying physical disks with files on them, buying and buying music files have come and gone (lots of folks still do it, but the age has passed). 
 

‘’You can look at my system. I have a top notch vinyl system, and can play CDs. Streaming has the same sound quality, often better, since Qobuz offers over +1/2 million high resolution albums with millions of CD quality for $12/month. 
 

So, you need a high quality streamer. I recommend Aurender. You control it with your iPad. Roon adds another level of complexity and cost. Personally I don’t find it useful. Some streamers support it. Given your system, I recommend investing about $5K in a streamer… although streamers sound better the higher the price. Aurender only produces the streamer and arguably the best high end in the business. There are lots of good ones. I don’t recommend one less that $3.5K… but you must find the right one. 

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