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How to set up a Mac mini for music only?

I'm new to computer audio and am thinking of using a Mac mini exclusively for music. I am mostly illiterate when it comes to computers and would really appreciate your ideas regarding the optimal configuration of such a mini. I will be running it through an as yet unknown USB/SPDIF converter (maybe Bryston?) to a first generation Berkeley Alpha DAC to my Audio Research VSi75 integrated to my Dali Euphonia MS 4 speakers.
Any suggestions regarding memory, processor speed, backing up, best auxiliary programs to use with Itunes, cabling, you name it would be greatly appreciated.
Also I understand that I can use my ipad to control the whole thing?
Help please?
bixx
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
FWIW I thought my 2012 i7 2.6GHz QC Mini sounded better than my other 2010 C2D 2.4GHz. Plus the Atom vs i7 on the PC side - I started seeing a pattern.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Newer processors like a quality i7 has tighter tolerance and are more stable and accurate.Xeon server grade processors are even better. Stability and accuracy are more inmportant in audio than sheer comuptational speed.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Stability and accuracy are more inmportant in audio than sheer computational speed."

When you say stability and accuracy, what exactly do you mean? Stable, as in not crashing, or something else? I done get accuracy either. Unless you are talking about something like jitter.
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