Mac Mini

I'm pretty new to computer audio myself.  I had the Mini that I had tried, but not very diligently, using Audirvana Plus with limited success.  When I decided to try Roon and Tidal, I took the Mini to a local shop for a checkup, telling them my planned usage.  They suggested the SSD but no change to the power supply.  For me, the cost of bringing the Mini online was minimal.  The sound of DSD downloads from Acoustic Sounds played through the Ayre components is at least as good as that of an SACD.

db

I run Roon core 24/7 on a Mac Mini and control it with Roon remote from an iPad with WiFi connection.  I run and control Roon bridge with an iMac.  Neither a keyboard nor monitor is used with the Mini, although both are available.

db

Regarding isolation of vibration from a spinning disc in the Mac Mini, mine has had an SSD installed.  The Mini connects to an Ayre QX-5 Twenty digital hub via ethernet.

db