2. pc-audio
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Your Computer Based Transport Setup

I am on the verge of moving to a Mac or Windows based transport setup but I am not sure which route to go.

I am pretty good with computers so a custom pc setup is what I have decided because of:

1. economically better than packaged music server
2. ability to experiment and change settings and software

However, I do not see a lot of info or thoughts on peoples computer based transport setups, (or ones that or pretty recent considering how fast the computer landscape changes so fast)

I will be going through a Chordette QuteHD dac to a Bryston 4b SST amp.

So, what is a good looking and performing computer setup?
Do you like mac mini's, big macs, windows 7 or 8 and any pro's and cons?

I am leaning towards a mac mini with something like audirvana. The mini is a nice looking small format and the OS is pretty solid and it runs quiet and cool from my experience.

Thank you fellow computerphiles.
photonman

Showing 2 responses by photonman

photonman OP
96 posts
 
Well I am up and running on my maiden voyage into the world of PC playback. I am doing a quick proof of concept test this weekend before I take a monetary plunge. So I borrowed a mini mac from work with OS 10.7, 2 GB ram with duo core processor.

Ripped about 7 cd's with XLD in AIFF format

Loaded Audirvana + and the QuteHD driver and voila!

I have not done any optimizations to the Mac OS.

I am remote controlling the headless mini via my Linux laptop VNC connection. So cool to control from my couch.

First impressions are "It works and it sounds like music" but I cannot tell whether it is better or not than my CDP setup.

PBnaudio,
What remote app do you use on your ipad?

thanks
photonman OP
96 posts
 
I am loving this computer setup and feel stupid for not exploring pc transports sooner. I actually am beginning to like the sound better than my CDP at this point as I have been going back and forth all weekend between cdp and mini.
Its almost one of those "love the one you're with..." things. You just get acclimated to the sound and all things being equal, the convenience of pc server is awesome.

For backups I will dust off my time capsule and fire it back up as that should take care of that!

I am hoping the new mac mini's due to be released this fall with the Maverick OS will follow the fanless design of the new mac pro's tower setup with a convection "chimney" to dissipate the heat. Even my current mini with fan is dead silent already.

I might have to explore the linear ps too for my qute but just wish I could try it out first.

I will try amarra too once my audirvana trial expires.

thanks for all the inputs!
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