Why Mac Mini Over Slim Systems Products?

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?

If I can use a Touch to control the SB3, that may be the solution I'm looking for.

Whatever happened to fans of Olive Severs?For $1700 you can ge a Terabyte built in and have 4.5 " screen and easy to group buttons.I need to see a Mini in action but don't know anybody who has one.Can you configure the screen for unlimited groups with easy to use controls?The one hesitancy I have is I know Olive has output (USB?) to back things up but I guess it would be somewhat limited if you can get a few USB's and get a Terabyte for $150 going into each one.Any opinions here?Is Olive as dedicate music serve much easier to use?Can you daisy chain more HD's?
Thanks
Chazz

I previously had an Ipod Classic hooked up to a Wadia 170i transport. Couldn't believe the sound. It was hooked up with a good coax cable to my DAC. Due to screen size and convenience I just bought a mac mini and have it connected to my DAC via optical out. I have a glass toslink cable attached to my DAC

Soundwise right now it's not as smooth. The highs are a bit harsher right now. I'm trying to figure out whether it's the cable or the jitter or whether I should switch to coax or USB???