Best Server - Mac Mini or Laptop Or ?

I have tried both PC's and 2009, 2011 Mac Minis, including Mach2Music. By far the best playback I have found is using my 2009 Mac Mini using the USB port next to the center one. A major difference in these computers is the USB port electronics IME. All Minis were DC powered or battery powered (even the 2011) and had 120GB SSD installed, no spinning hard disks.

I use not the latest version, but an older version of Amarra, 4318/19:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105236.0

I have had a number of servers here and so far none of them challenge the 2009 Mini using this version of Amarra. Won best sound of show from TAS for 2 years at RMAF using this combo.

I would buy a late 2009 Mini on ebay and then add the SSD from Other World Computing to it. Takes 30 minutes. Then consider a power supply from Paul Hynes Design for it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Next thing to do is ditch the MP3's and play AIFF files on the Mac. Rip CD's using XLD (freeware).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Chuck - this mini:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Descriptions/specs/Framework.cfm?page=macminilate09.html

With Snow Leopard on it.

CDC2 - sound differences are: 2011 sounds a bit flat, uninteresting, not vivid, without weight. A bit threadbare. Also 2011 only works decent with short USB cable.

SSD I recommend is:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/Y3SSD6E120/

USB cable: I like the Revelation Audio Labs. Also heard that the Wireworld is good, but have not compred it. If you can find a used Locus Design Polestar or Axis, these are very good. Get at least 1.5m long.

As for DAC, I manufacture one, so this is what I recommend. Gets rid of your preamp without needing to go to digital volume control.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

The Intel SSD will probably work fine.

For external Drive, I recommend a RAID 1 preferably removable, connected by Firewire.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"Steve, for your new Override SE DAC (looks great btw), what front end do your recommend?"

Mac Mini late 2009 running Amarra 4318/19 -> USB cable to DAC

"Does simple window based loptop with no additional sound card will be enough for best sound? "

Yes, if you load XXhighend or JRiver plus Jplay on it.

"Any USB based outout from that laptop will be input to the Override SE DAC. Correct? "

Correct, but some USB ports may sound better than others. A good USB cable is necessary.

"Are you plannning to build and sell any front end simple plug and play solution , so one can insert the CD and the device will rip it and it will play from SSD or HD and controlled by IPOD or IPAD, so one dont have to do any tweeks or software manipulatinos?"

Probably not myself, but I am working with colleagues that want to offer this. They are in the prototyping stages. It's essentially a computer with all of the optimum ripping and playback software on it and some scripts to start everything on power-up.

The problem with most all-in-one solutions in the market is that they either dont have the right ripper/playback software for good SQ or they are not flexible enough to handle all devices or all file formats etc.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Denon1 - its Overdrive SE BTW.

I find the basic computer is the best way to go. If you buy one of these all-in-one servers, you are trapped into their software, hardware and feature-set. I like the computer and software to be a "separate", so I can improve sound quality and capability over time without needing to replace everything. Its kind of like buying separate processor, preamp and amps versus a SS Receiver.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"Steve, even connecting to your Overdrive SE, the basic computer needs to be tweaked to get the best sound out of it, isn't it?"

The optimum sound, yes, however really good sound is possible without all of this. Both best of shows at RMAF I used a standard Mac Mini.

"Simply loading ripping software, playing software and connecting usb will not be enough. I doubt it. How about power supply? "

I still use the standard floor-wart on my Mac Mini and used this at the Newport Beach show. I'm planning to give a Hynes supply a try however.

"How about other programs that are running on that computer and may interfere with the sound?"

These do make a difference. It is fairly easy to follow instructions to eliminate these if you want to get the very best SQ.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Mr Bill - it's an internal drive. As I said, the case allows you to format the drive using the computer before you open-up the computer and install the drive. You can even copy the disk image you have now.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio