Mac Mini As A Streaming Source

OK, seems to be a lot of inconsistent info here.

I am only transporting the digital "1s" and "zeros" from the computer to the DAC.  I don't understand how electronic "noise" can be introduced at this step, as this is a purely digital process.  Are people saying that "noise" alters the 1s and 0s?  What in the digital circuitry affects the 1s and 0s?  

I understand how "noise" is e a concern in the DAC process as it might affect the analog signal resulting from the conversion, but I don't see how  that applies upstream from the DAC in the pure digital realm.  So, the comments that computers as digital sources, fed to a DAC, do not sound different make some sense.  In fact, every digital streaming device uses a computer on the "digital" side (such as an internal raspberry pi).

It seems the main issue is in the DAC itself, and this is where the sound can vary depending on the quality of the components, power supplies, shielding, circuit design etc.

But is there any need to invest in a hyper expensive computer on the digital side?  How would that process the 1s and 0s differently?

Help me understand. . . .

@gwhphoto

Are people saying that "noise" alters the 1s and 0s?

yep. It causes errors.

My first MacIntosh experience was in 1984 with the Apple Classic and external floppy disc drive! I was building from sine waves, attack rate, fall rate, percussion rate, etc… and interfacing them with polyphonic and monophonic keyboards such as the MOOG. Apple was great for that and I’ve been a loyal Mac customer ever since. So it pains me a little to say this but I would try finding a dedicated renderer over using a Mac Mini. Also in my opinion, a lap top running off of a battery while using Audirvāna is better than using a Mac Mini. When I bought my first DAC in 2011, I used a Mac Mini with Audirvāna and it sounded excellent but when I bought my first renderer, I got spoiled. I went from the Bryston BDP Pi, which sounded really good to their flagship BDP 3 which is reference quality and far better than anything I used in the past. I prefer using the native to Bryston Manic Moose software over using ROON, because it sounds so much better. However, if you have to use a Mac Mini, Uptone Audio offers a Mac Mini modification with upgraded power supply for about $600.00 and that may be perfectly fine. I’ve never heard it but I use their ISO Regen reclocker and Linear Power Supply to great satisfaction so it might be worth the six hundred dollars to try. Anyway, good luck!

Gwhphoto,

I will only speak for my experience. I tried streaming using a laptop, and tried a lot of recommendations from here to improve the SQ…..ultimately I was never satisfied. Full transparency, I am adequate with computers, but by no means an expert.

 I bought and installed a Bluesound Node 130 $599, and that did yield positive improvement. I upgraded the USB cable $180, and that helped even more. I then installed an LHY linear power supply $279, and that was even better. Ultimately bought and installed a Denafrips Iris DDC $500, and output I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC), and I now have what I feel is a really good set up for $1,500.

That being said I am saving up for a new streamer from the usual suspects (Aurender, Innuous, Lumin, maybe test a Eversolo DMP-A6), and will replace the current set up at some point. That however will be a $5,000 to $7,000 upgrade, unless the Eversolo somehow punched WAY above it’s weight 

That’s the thing, how much are we comfortable spending in order to gain an increase in sound quality?

I spent about $8k the Aqua Formula DAC and love it. It really sounds great. Now, people tell me I should not stream from a Mac Mini but have a dedicated streamer.

Maybe they’re right, I don’t know. I’d like to be able to trial the LinQ streamer.

What do people think about the workaround for Roon using HQPlayer which is used in the LinQ?