Why Mac Mini Over Slim Systems Products?

Van den Hul makes Toslink cables with mini jacks on one end and standard on the other, which is perfect for Mac Mini or notebook applications. Unfortunately, my Lavry DAC has what appears to be a slightly non-standard Toslink input and the VDH's is a bit large and wouldn't fit. I now have one from Wireworld on the way. I'm not convinced that Toslink straight out of the computer is workable for me sonically, but I want to see if a better cable will make a difference.

In my system, I would describe the Toslink sound as having a smaller sound stage than USB, less apparent clarity, and whereas USB has a "black background" (perhaps too much so), the Toslink is, uh, not-black.

As I experiment with this stuff, I am finding that you need to give it a good long listening session and not just a back and forth comparison. Some configurations appear to produce listener fatigue. Unfortunately, I don't remember which. (Memory loss may be another side effect.)

Drubin-
How can the background be "too black"? Do you mean, kind of lifeless?

I'm starting out with an inexpensive "glass" toslink and a mini adapter. They should be here early next week. That should tell me if I'm even in the ball park. If so, then I can go from there. If not, then I'll start looking at a USB option.

Here's what I mean by "too black." When the music sounds as if it is being performed in deep outer space, where there is no atmosphere and it is cold and sterile. In contrast to music being made in a performance hall or even in a studio. Hmmm....not a very good explanation, is it? But I do think there is such as thing as a background that is "too black."

Let us know what you find. When using Toslink out of the Mac Mini, open the application called "Audi Midi", choose the external output and set it to 24-bit and 96KHz. You don't have this option with a USB output (at least not with mine), which is limited to 16/44.1.

Let us know what you find. When using Toslink out of the Mac Mini, open the application called "Audi Midi", choose the external output and set it to 24-bit and 96KHz.

I finally had a chance to mess around with this a little. I connected my Mac Mini to my TacT RCS 2.0 via optical (toslink) connection. I listened to just the Mini for 15-20 minutes before doing any comparing to other sources.

At first listen, the Mini actually sounded pretty good. Good detail and extension, smooth and decent soundstage. My thoughts were, "not bad, I could live with this".

Then I compared it to my SB3 with Bolder digital mods and a Bolder power supply. It wasn't even close. The SB3 had a larger, deeper soundstage, the lows were deeper and tighter and the highs were more extended, with more air/space around them. The SB3 sounded all around fuller, tighter and smoother. The Mini, in comparison was very thin sounding.

My next step will be to try the Mini via it's USB outs, but that won't be for a while, as I don't have a DAC with USB inputs.

I really enjoy the sound of the SB3, but I don't like the interface. The Mini, being controlled by an iPod Touch would be perfect. If I can get it to sound better.

Set the Mac Mini's Audio Midi application to 16/44, not 24/96, unless your files are actually 24/96.

The Remote app from Apple for controlling iTunes from the iPod Touch is superb. There is a shareware application to control the Squeezecenter (and thus your Squeezebox) from an iPod Touch. I haven't tried it, but you can find it here. The one key element that is missing from computer audio is liner notes. You've got to be able to find things such as recording dates, performers, song authorship, and so forth. Someday, I'm sure.

Oh, and in case anyone has Apple's ear, I'd like to see the ability to create ad hoc playlists via the Remote app. As I sit on the couch and browse through my library via the iPod Touch, I want to select songs to queue up for listening. Great idea, don't you think?