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Apple Mini 'puter as a CD jukebox?


I've ripped all of my CD's as WAV files on to two 160gb WD external drives and I'm thinking it would be cool to use a 'puter as a "CD Player". It would be really easy to use iTunes as a master play list, scroll, click, listen. The entire system ought to come in under $1000 all told.

The new Mac Mini would be a logical choice since it has two USB 2.0 ports for my hard drives and it's quite small and inexpensive. A small flat panel monitor would be required, and of course a wireless mouse and keyboard. The thing I'm not sure about is the audio output on the Mac Mini; not much info at all on the Apple site. Could you simply run a Y-cable from the Mac Mini to your preamp, or does it require an external DAC?

So, what would the system end up loooking like? I'm guessing:

- two 160gb hard drives ($110 each)
- Mac Mini ($499)
- BenQ wireless mouse ($25)
- Small wireless keyboard. Suggestions?
- Small flat panel monitor.. less than 15". Suggestions?
- DAC (I'm assuming it's required). Suggestions?

When all is said and done this could be a nice alternative, I'm not sure it'll rival $1000 CD players though. I'm intrigued with the concept of using a computer as a dedicated jukebox and would love some feedback/ideas/opinions. Thanks, Jeff
hack
hack OP
185 posts
 

Thanks for the responses so far folks. I have a Dell laptop (running XP) but use it for work, the intent of this proposed set up would be to use it as a dedicated audio front end. Put the 'puter, external hard drives, and small screen on my audio rack and leave it set up. So an Airport Express, additional RAM etc. wouldn't be necessary.

I haven't tried this idea with my current laptop since it wouldn't be pressed into service as a jukebox for any length of time. The digital jukebox would be used with my main system: please click on My System and take a look at the associated gear if you're so inclined.

Since I already have the hard drives, USB hub, and decent interconnects I'm thinking I'd spend an additional $1000 for this jukebox rig. The Mac Mini is half of the budget, so I'd allocate $500 for the DAC (if a DAC is really required, it sure would be easier if the Apple site was more informative). I'll wait to hear more, if it seems like a safe bet to take the plunge I'll pick up a Mini in Hong Kong next weekend. Regards, Jeff
themadmilkman
182 posts
 
You could technically get by without a DAC by using a patch cable, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I also just saw this on Apple's site. Might be of interest to some of you.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=TB638LL/A
twb2
129 posts
 
My current set-up: G4/iTunes tower>MAudio Transit>Benchmark DAC-1>BAT VK-5SE>Wolcott Presence 220's>Sound Lab M-1's. GREAT results. This morning I tried substituting my XP/iTunes laptop for the G4. VERY inferior sonic results!
fishpatrol
30 posts
 
I wonder why that is, Twb2. Inferior in what way?

Did you trial any other DACs with your G4? I'm starting the great DAC hunt now. For testing a DAC, could you swap a CD transport for your G4 and get a ballpark-similar sound?
twb2
129 posts
 
Before the Benchmark DAC-1,I was using an M Audio Firewire Audiophile. Results were Ok. The Benchmark, or course, was a great set up. The SPDIF output from the Audiophile created a hum, so I tried the Transit which solved that problem since the Toslink connection provided galvanic isolation. The Transit was OK, but I now have Empirlacal Audio's modified Transit (Turbo Offramp) which has taken the entire system up many orders of magnitude. The difference is not subtle. Highly reccomended. Here is a link to a review:http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=pcaudio&n=3083&highlight=nmcc0866&r=&session=. I am in complete agreement.
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