Mac Mini vs. CDP?

I'd like to add that the Mac Mini/rega combo sounds really good....But so far I prefer the Oppo CDP/rega combo. I have little knowledge on optimizing settings on the Mac Mini/Itunes and any suggestions would be most appreciated!

Rob

Buconero, I've never read anything on the web with that account. I also experimented with my big Imac and results are identical. But I stayed up late and did some research and tweaking....here are the results.

I re-ripped the files with error correction set to ON. I have a fancy looking no-name USB cable which I swapped out for the Belkin Pro Gold. I then repositioned the Merlin Speakers so I could switch sources more easily without changing my position in the room to do so. And finally....I tried some different filter settings and found that Filter 1 was best for the Mini while Filter 4 was suited to the CDP.

The result now was I preferred the MacMini sound. I don't know if this was due to the error correction or the USB cable. The difference was very small, but the Mini/rega now sounded smoother at the top end and the Opp/rega just a tad harsh. Again....very subtle and you'd have to be listening like a maniac for the differences. Bottom line: Very pleased with the Mini now. I can control it perfectly with the Ipad without a screen as well....very cool. Next I'll be adding the new Rega Apollo R to the DAC and that may turn the tables yet again.

The Mac mini will also be getting a memory bump, which according to 6Moons will do more for the Mini.

Cheers,

Rob

Larry, much thanks!

Next week I'll boost the memory of the Mac and try the guide's suggestions. At this point I'm glad I spent some time with the tweaks as I was initially surprised and unhappy with how the Mac Mini sounded. Now it's another ballgame! I spent an hour this morning listening and the Minimac is indeed besting the CD transport by a small margin. Most of the time you can't really tell the difference...only on top notch recordings. It's interesting that the filter settings were such a help as well.
Next up I will also be trying a better USB cable among other things.

So for Mac Mini users....don't expect perfection right off. The Mini needs some tweaking like any other audio component.

Rob

After comparing hi-res files to standard CD's I'm not a convert. As far as I've been led to understand the only limitation of the Rega USB is the fact that it's held to redbook resolution, which is not a limitation at all.

I still may try a converter, but a good one will be a costly experiment. The next purchase will be in the Rega transport coming next month.

Why don't I believe in 24 bit? I've heard 24 bit on other systems and been highly unimpressed. Unless the actual engineering has been improved, this is why....

http://www.head-fi.org/t/415361/24bit-vs-16bit-the-myth-exploded

As a friend who owns an audio salon likes to say, "There are differences you can read about and those you can hear."

Rob

Thanks for all the answers and comments.

I'm about to add memory and possibly try some hi res stuff.

Rob