2. pc-audio
  3. 147011-6303

Best Mods for a Mac-mini used as a Music Server

I have my Mac-mini on order...should be able to pick it up tomorrow, 2/27/19, at my local Apple Store.  So, I would love to hear member opinions & experiences on the panoply of modifications out there to improve the performance & sound quality of a Mac-mini based music server.

Not sure how much difference it makes, but the Mac-mini I will be using is a 2018 model.

Thanks in advance!


OldManDave
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xoldmandave

Showing 2 responses by dbphd

Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,616 posts
 
I don't know how I came up with the $5K number in my previous post.  I bought the Ayre Codex used for $1K and the Ayre A7 integrated amp used for $1.5K.  The microRendu and power supply were a bit over $500, so $3K would have been closer.  I've since replaced the microRendu with an ultraRendu and UpTone UltraCap LPS 1.2 power supply.  That pair cost a bit over $1K, raising the total cost to about $3.5K.  I listen to Qobuz and Tidal files via Roon. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,616 posts
 
I run Roon on a Mac Mini.  Today I added a microRendu with CI power supply.  It takes ethernet and outputs USB to an Ayre Codex connected to an Ayre A7e amp that drives a pair of KEF LS50s.  The sound quality is excellent.  Total cost of microRendu and power supply was under $1K.

I bought the Ayre components used, so the total cost of the setup was under $5K, leading me to wonder why I spent so much more on my primary setup.
More to discover