Streamer Options Needed

Vlad,

I'm afraid I was a bit too dismissive of modded mini as just a 'passable' streamer in my last post. I experimented with a series of three different mini's over a few years, everything from stock to maximal mods. I had three different Intel, each successively more powerful than previous, I quit minis when the M processors came out and soldered in RAM, seems I may have missed out here. I also found Audirvana best music app for the mini's.

I've been offering up modded mini's as a legitimate contender or perhaps superior choice to lower to mid grade off the shelf streamers for years, very few have experienced a modded mini for themselves so really have no idea. I got the idea for modding mini's vs off the shelf via comparison of tech and parts used in the lower end ots streamers. I think people have the mistaken idea off the shelf streamers are somehow magically transformed from their fundamental computer roots when in fact they're all computers modified and optimized to play music apps. Through mini mods like OS optimization, far more RAM, faster processor, better lps than you'd find in most of these low to mid grade off the shelf modded mini's can be very nice at least mid level streamer. 

I might be wrong. It's just my opinion, but look at architecture of M2 vs Intel. Intel has 4 USB ports. M2 has 2. On intel MACs there is a chip set ( I believe this degrades the sound)which works as a bridge between CPU and USB. On M2 I believe USBs are connected directly to CPU internals. Plus the processing power and much simplified power supply(less noise) and less parts/chips contributing to noise and better sound. I  might be wrong, but that's my feeling. After upgrading power supply on M2 the difference was subtle vs doing same on Intel Macs was very audible. I also have to clarify I am talking about aluminum a little bigger and  flatter MAC mini M2 not the newest square ones. Never tried the square M2s which has only USB C connections.

If you’re using a separate DAC, then the BS Node can’t be beat for the money!

I do recall not all the usb ports same sound quality, one with shortest path was Irecommended. And I could see this as an advantage with M2 if usb is indeed connected directly to cpu, interfaces are extremely important in obtaining best SQ. 

Whatever the case with mini sound quality, devoid virtually any contemporary support for mods from the aftermarket, and Apple's continual move towards making diy nearly impossible mini's are virtually obsolete as viable alternative to off the shelf.

@alfa100 I tried WiiM Ultra, Holo Red, Eversolo A6, Eversolo a8 and Cambridge audio Mxn10

How did Holo Red compare with the rest of the gang?

Han commented that the Red is surprisingly clean with sibilance. Did you find that to be the case?