2. pc-audio
  3. 1258344201

Help designing mac mini music server

I want to set up a mac mini as a music server. Looking for recommendations for set up including 'cost effective' DAC, connections to external drives etc. Pointing to past posts is fair, as I would guess this has been asked before.

Have several music systems, so long term wouldn't mind being able to use multiple audio systems in the house. Main objective right now is to set up the server.
gonetotc
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,451 posts
 
Gonetotc - I use Intel Mac Mini/Snow Leopard with 1TB external triple interface Fantom drive GF1000T (Newegg.com $100) while I keep backup on the second identical drive (Fantom drives are quiet, run cool and have very good reputation). I use firewire interface since it uses very little of processor power. I use Benchmark DAC1 - it is jitter (noise in time domain) rejecting and Mac Mini has only optical output that inherently has twice more jitter than coax. Because of the distance (across the room) I use Airport Express and short toslink. I rip files into Itunes in Apple lossless. For ripping I use MAX (free program) with cdparanoia algoritm option set to "don't allow to skip". I use Benchmark (has volume control) to drive power amp directly.

Three comments:
1. If you think about Benchmark DAC1 get new one since old had a lot of problems (revisions) and Benchmark provides 30 day period for evaluation.
2. Front Row does not work with newer Itunes or Leopard - you need to install Airfoil application (but remote control still works with I tunes).
3. Keep backup outside of your home in case of fire burglary etc.
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
Oh your right Sidssp. I was thinking about the size of a song.
gonetotc OP
11 posts
 

Thanks for everything so far....

Some more info on my situation...

I think I need:

- a server (the Mac Mini with external drives (appreciate the info on the NAS)
- an interface (haven't decided that one yet, but think my simplest option is a keyboard and monitor (hopefully the TV associated with the sound system) attached to the Mac Mini, better is a iTouch or iPhone)
- a way to convert the digital output from the server to analog (biggest area of uncertainty for me... and most variable)
- a nice to have is a way to use this on more than one sound system in the house (via airport???)

As for budget, I tend to like bang for the buck vs unlimited. Looking for cost effective conversion.

What are the range of options for digital to analog conversion including approximate cost? For quality, everything I have seen points to a DAC vs soundcard, so what are options:

In the under $300 range?
In the $300 to $500 range?
In the $500 up range?

What am I giving up at the lower range?

Thanks....
jdoris
972 posts
 
I had trouble with set up on Buffalo NAS, and found their support negligible. Sent it back. YMMV. John
hgeifman
2,315 posts
 
I am using the Seaport Free Agent Go Pro 500GB external hard drive to store my music files (a 2nd Seagate for backup) for my MAC Book Pro computer. It has 4 GB RAM and the 120GB solid state drive. The Furman AC-215 power conditioner is required so the MAC does not interfere with the audio components.

See www.furmansound.com/product.ph. I have about 125 CD's loaded into my MAC Book Pro computer and many more to go. It takes between 3 to 5+ minutes per CD using the AIFF format. I am using the Transparent USB Cable from the MAC computer to my Ayre QB-9 USB Digital-to-Analog Converter.
More to discover