2. pc-audio
  3. 178910-176144

Turn an Intel macmini into a music server

- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work. My Linux use is limited to terminal)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

mrjayvoper

Showing 4 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 

@jgoldrick Good catch, forgot about that issue with some RP

sns
3,003 posts
 

I've now used three iterations of mini as servers. You mention having no budget which leaves lps out of the question, this will be greatest limitation of using a mini.

 

I could provide much info, but you may really be better off with raspberry.

 

Still, just for comparison sake, get 3rd party app wipe for OS, even though latest Mac OS doesn't allow complete wipe of many needless apps integrated within OS, stupid. Disable system integrity protection (DIP) via terminal, this will be nice upgrade, disconnect wifi antenna if not needed. Beyond this, fastest processor, I7 preferable to I5, PCIe preferable to sata.

 

Sans lps, the second greatest limitation with mini is usb rendering is crap. To bypass one needs separate streamer and bridge thunderbolt as second ethernet port.

sns
3,003 posts
 

External lps and internal dc power supplies, in my case Uptone MMK and JS-2. Jitter is only part of the problem with using the usb out, noise on motherboard, especially with stock power supply and no OS optimization.

 

This is why I'd bet on RP device to be superior to stock mini, RP simpler, quieter than mini. Getting mini to good server status require decent outlay of cash and pretty good diy skills. RP devices are plentiful and relatively cheap.

 

I'm a modder and diy, so modded mini is right up my alley. If not into this and want to spend some cash, many good off the shelf servers, streamers in similar price range of modded mini.

sns
3,003 posts
 

Well, it all depends on whether OP looking for something approaching audiophile quality or only for convenience. Just do the mini or Rpi he already has, do minimal cost free upgrades and compare the two.

 

The Rpi would be superior if willing to put out minimal amount of cash for upgrades, mini will require large outlay of cash.

 

Almost forgot, I owned Okto Dac 8 stereo with built in Rpi streamer, compared to my Musetec 005 going through SOTM SMS200Neo (both used mini as server only), Dac 8 was very, very nice, far better than my expectations at the time. While I was only using rpi as streamer, vs SOTM, rpi acquitted itself quite well against the $450 SOTM.

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