Mac Mini 2011 with Lion or 2010 with Snow Leopard

Thanks Ghasley I can get the 2010 refurbished for $469 and the 2011 refurbished for $519. Right now I am just using the DAC in my NAD T747, until I can afford a stand alone DAC. Just wondering which would make the most sense to purchase.

How important is integer mode? Which programs use it?

I also am wondering how important is it that the usb ports are shared in the new model. From other forums it seemed as if people thought this was an issue. However, it seems like people are reporting that itunes sounds good in 2011, so maybe its not an issue?

Jkontuly, I'll give you my 2 cents although either choice is a good one. Research the DAC you might want to use to determine if it is integer mode capable. If it is, get the 2010, if it is not, get the 2011. There are those out there who are certain they hear a difference between the 2010 and a 2011 but I believe it is not a material difference. Get Pure Music and enjoy. My DAC utilizes integer mode and I CAN tell the difference.

Whatever you do though, get more ram....4 gig or 8 gig is better. Playing from memory is always an advantage so you can load the songs into ram rather than reading from disk. I also utilize firewire external disk drives. spend some time searching the archives at computer audiophile.com , you will learn a lot. You are on the right track and good luck.

Hmmmm - I don't know what DAC I'll ultimately use. I may also use an off-ramp. Has anyone done the research and can say which popular DACs use and don't use the integer mode (including the offramp).