Best Server - Mac Mini or Laptop Or ?

Denon1 - its Overdrive SE BTW.

I find the basic computer is the best way to go. If you buy one of these all-in-one servers, you are trapped into their software, hardware and feature-set. I like the computer and software to be a "separate", so I can improve sound quality and capability over time without needing to replace everything. Its kind of like buying separate processor, preamp and amps versus a SS Receiver.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve, even connecting to your Overdrive SE, the basic computer needs to be tweaked to get the best sound out of it, isn't it? Simply loading ripping software, playing software and connecting usb will not be enough. I doubt it. How about power supply? How about other programs that are running on that computer and may interfere with the sound? How about quality of HD and dvd ROM? All those things may become important to get not just a sound but a reference quality sound comparable with upper level cd players like DCS, esoteric k-3, k-01, ARC CD8, ayon cd-5s, and others. I would like to have plug and play solution simple and reliable, without spending hours on tweaking and reading forums and manuals and calling for help.

Steve,
Is the SSD that you have linked to an internal solid state drive or is it external? The case is throwing me off as it looks like an external drive.
Thanks,
Bill

@Denon 1 -- The best place to start is at the Emprical Audio Website, click on the tab *Computer Audio Info*, follow the instructions and you'll learn the optimum set up for your pc/mac and how best to rip your cd's. Many thanks to Steve for having this information available for free on his website.

"Steve, even connecting to your Overdrive SE, the basic computer needs to be tweaked to get the best sound out of it, isn't it?"

The optimum sound, yes, however really good sound is possible without all of this. Both best of shows at RMAF I used a standard Mac Mini.

"Simply loading ripping software, playing software and connecting usb will not be enough. I doubt it. How about power supply? "

I still use the standard floor-wart on my Mac Mini and used this at the Newport Beach show. I'm planning to give a Hynes supply a try however.

"How about other programs that are running on that computer and may interfere with the sound?"

These do make a difference. It is fairly easy to follow instructions to eliminate these if you want to get the very best SQ.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio