Atlplasma

Thanks Kirkmc. I loaded Media Center on my 2019 iMac and tried playing music over USB to SPDIF and Toslink. I've submitted a trouble ticket to MiniDSP and am waiting to see if they have any suggestions for isolating the source of the problem.

I've used several Mac Minis over the years as music servers. My current setup includes a 2009 Mini, which connects via USB/SPDIF (SingerX F1) to a MiniDSP 4x10HD. The speakers are Linkwitz LXminis powered by an Outlaw 7075 amp. The system suddenly stopped outputting sound the other day. I tried switch to a Toslink connection (adapter in headphone output to 4x10HD), but the Mac didn't want to recognize the connection. (I know Apple got rid of the optical out at some point, but I thought it was a standard feature through 2011.) This configuration is hard to troubleshoot, and I think I'll probably just have to start swapping out components until I find the one that's buggy. My initial inclination is to order a refurbished Mini since it is the oldest component. Any thoughts on this? Am I overlooking a step that would help me to isolate the problem more quickly (and affordably)? Thanks in advance for your input.

Oops! This unit does up to 24/96. Thought for sure it went higher.

I used a miniDSP 4x10HD in combination with Linkwitz LXmini speakers. The one downside to this DSP is the built-in DAC maxes out at 24/192.

I am considering this converter since it offers a lot of flexibility and value. Before I pull the trigger, I wanted to see if anyone had experience with the SMSL x-USB XMOS (SMSL X-USB XMOS USB to Spdif Converter DAC DSD IIS Digital Audio Interface - Professional Audio Store - Shenzhenaudio.com). On paper it looks pretty good while being quite a bit less expensive. I would appreciate feedback since the members of this site are very knowledgeable.

You might want to check the Teac page for firmware and driver updates. It's at UD-501 | TEAC

I suppose you tried swapping USB cables and tried different ports on your computer.

You might want to post on the Regen group. I'll be curious about the answer since I have the Regen on order and also have the UD-501 (but with a Mac Mini server and JRiver software).

I have had the Teac UD-501 for a couple of years. It is a great DAC for the money. If I could upgrade, I'd investigate one of the Chords or perhaps a Lampizator Amber.

Thanks for clarifying. I had considered using the iUSB but did not follow through on the purchase. I have the iPower so will give the Regen a closer look. If you buy the Regen power supply, please post your observations.

Is the Regen similar to the iFi Power? If so, has anyone compared them?

I don't think the modem is the issue. I have a new Netgear unit that is tailored for Comcast use. My issue seems to have a lot to do with my community. We have lots of new construction going on, and it is taxing the cable infrastructure. Apparently, Comcast originally installed about one half to one third the number of nodes that the density really required. We have lots of high-bandwidth users who are always taxing the system. Plus, all the construction means that "service interruptions" are fairly common whenever a backhoe is in operation. These issues appear to contribute to the need for modem reboots.

Thanks, jriver. I guess restarting the modem is not a big problem for most people. I think I may give one of the $60 remote plugs a try.

More often than I like I have to trudge down to the basement and reboot my cable modem, which is in the central panel. Has anyone tried plugging their modem into a remote boot unit?

I will try the 3X rule and then the Synology configuration tool. I'm also thinking that I don't want to go overboard on the storage since these devices don't last forever. I've owned a number external enclosures, and the boards always seem to crap out eventually. Something that would last three to five years is probably acceptable. Of course, drives nowadays often seem to die after just a year or two of use.