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Mac mini v server

After lurking these threads for some time I decided to post as I need so e advice. Currently using a Mac mini 2012 with ssd and 8gb ram running audirvana plus as a server and with the outlay of a linear PSU the next logical step in that journey I've read a few articles by John Darko and the like stating a significant difference in sound quality with an entry level Antipodes server v a modded mini. I guess I'm at a crossroads on this and wondering what you guys have experienced?

I'm currently running a lampizator big 5 with dueland caps into a New Audio Frontiers 300b supreme limited edition into sierra 1 speakers(to be replaced by bastanis matterhorns) shortly.

Any advice or personal experience greatly appreciated :)
kiwicol
beewax
173 posts
 
I have a Mac Mini 2011 with 500GB SSD burned with all my favorite CD and Linear PSU. Itune and Amarra updates (free) make my system sound better each time.
I have reservations about the server ($2K +) concept. Large financial outlay, minimal flexibility. It may sound great TODAY, but there is tomorrow. Digital is progressing at the blink of an eye.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Its hard to beat the Antipodes. I have used it at shows. I use a Mac Mini at home, but it has a lot of tweaks and a $1K Hynes power supply. For compressed file, the Antipodes is better. For .wav, about the same with my Mini.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
paul79
174 posts
 
Yes, the Antipodes is really fantastic, particularly the DX. The Totaldac Server is amazing also, and it does not care what file format you use with it. It also has a reclocker built in.
mitch2
4,075 posts
 
You might try the linear PSU and also an outboard AV HDD to store your tunes. Run the system and player from the SSD.

FWIW, Srajan Ebaen with the on-line review e-zine, 6moons, has reviewed a number of servers and concluded with this;
If Aurender's €15'000 W20 is representative of the best current servers—I don't know—it would seem to take a lot of engineering effort to improve just minorly upon a current quad-core Mac computer properly set up to do only music.
and, I don't believe Srajan's mini even has a linear PSU. I was pretty happy with a linear PSU and work performed by Mojo Audio.
kiwicol OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for your response guys. As luck would have it a mate who knows nothing about computer audio has asked me to set up his brand new out of the box antipodes server. Will set up and give it a serious road test in the coming weeks and post my feedback. Mark Jenkins is a nice guy and knows his stuff so wouldn't really mind him proving me right.
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