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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
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
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?
ecruz
402 posts
 
If I can use a Touch to control the SB3, that may be the solution I'm looking for.
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
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
merlocpm
44 posts
 
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???
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audphile1
5,227 posts
 
run Mac Mini via USB cable into your DAC. I am doing just that and the sound is very nice. As a matter of fact it's very smooth and not harsh at all. I am not missing a conventional transport. I rip all the music I care about in AIFF and stuff I am listening to casually in Apple Lossless. Very cool stuff. I am controlling all Mac's functions with my Dell laptop(WiFi) and if I want a super cool remote just for iTunes when I play music, my iPhone does just that(artwork and all info is displayed right on the iPhone). I am very happy with the Mac Mini's sound and convenience can't be beat.
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