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Why Mac Mini Over Slim Systems Products?

Here are my thoughts. Please let me know if they make sense:

1) Using a Mac Mini for a music server is superior to slim systems duet or squeezebox if you are interested in playing high resolution files (I am).

2) Mac Mini and the Transporter both do high resolution, but Mac Mini would likely provide more universal access to things out there on the web.

3) Now with the ability to use the itouch as a remote control, the Mac Mini has just as much remote functionality as the slim systems stuff. You will still need a screen and keyboard for startup though.

4) It is better to use the USB out of the Mac Mini than the optical mini plug (I don't know why this is true, it may not be true, I've just seen it several times).

IF all these statements are true, then I want to go the Mac Mini route. I have a spare monitor and keyboard. Now I would just need to figure out the DAC question. Please advise re the above. Thanks, Peter
peter_s
james1969's avatar
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james1969
347 posts
 
Audio Research has a new DAC out, their DAC7 will connect via USB to Mac or PC.

http://www.audioresearch.com/DAC7.html

Ultimately you do want a good DAC to listen to audio. I do not know what this Audio Research DAC is priced, but I'm sure it sounds good.
james63
534 posts
 
I use a mac mini for all of my music these days. I used to keep around good CD players ($1,000-$2,000 range) but no longer do. I did blind test of my CD players and mac mini and failed. At that point it was just easier to use the mac mini. I like to keep things simple. I use iTunes, rip with apple Lossless, and use my TV as my monitor (which I typed this post on).

I give the mac mini and apple a BIG thumbs up.
istanbulu
291 posts
 
.

James63 I agree entirely... what are you using for a DAC? And your connection to your Mini...? Music sharing between minis and systems is pretty cool too. As well as using an iTouch with Remote or VNC.

:) Listening

Ed

.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
A BIG thumbs up here also for the Mini and a Bel Canto DAC.So convienent,cheers,Bob
grindstaff
32 posts
 
One of things I learned from this forum is that the playback software matters. Is Itunes really the best sounding for playback on the MAC? It isn't on the PC (jriver jukebox is the best I found). I'm using Vista going to a ESI Waveterminal to an EAD dac.

I may try a mac mini if itunes or other playback software is as good as jriver jukebox on the PC.
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