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yzurdiaga

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  1. Superdad, 

     

    First, if you think this question is better as a post, I'll be happy to convert it.  I've read numerous posts, and I'm not really getting a solid, concise best-in-class answer on configuration and modifications for the Mini, so I'm asking you.  If there's a definitive post I've missed, happy to be directed to it.

     

    I'm a longtime Mac Mini-as-server owner - on my 2nd, a 2011 server with 2 750GB disks. An Uptone USB Regen is in use with good results thru Curious Cables connects to a PS Audio stack.  The speakers are good, but will be replaced soon.  Currently only 1 of the 2 disks in use, and the re-ripping project I'm doing will require at least 2TB.  So, re-partitioning seems fruitless.

     

    First, are other music servers simply going to be superior to the Mini?  I'm not in love with the idea of a whole new platform/software unless there's a step-change in performance.  I do enjoy the simplicity and low-touch support of iTunes, and it sounds good thru BitPerfect/Regen.

     

    Then, if sticking with a Mini, will an external hard drive sound better, or new mini with solid state memory?

     

    Next, what upgrades do you recommend?  It seems that a power supply / fan controller would be a choice item (and an ISO Regen).  Not sure if that applies to just the current Mini, or if it would be good on a new unit with solid state memory.

     

    Go ahead, please let me know what the "El Supremo" would be for a music server with just one master, the stereo (I've no real need to stream to other devices).

     

    Thanks for your consideration, 

    Ken

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. yzurdiaga

      yzurdiaga

      Thanks!  Not sure that I'll be confronted with the extras that you mention.  This mini is a single-purpose machine.  Music - that's it - not even browsing on it except for gathering any needed updates for the music.  I don't even want to stream to other devices.  It would be nice to bluetooth to the boombox on the patio, but Homesharing/Airplay is as unreliable as you say, so not going to do that either.

       

      So, all I want is great sound thru an excellent stereo.

       

      Naim does have a strong reputation, and they've earned it.  

    3. PeterG

      PeterG

      Just to be clear--the "extras" I mentioned were the "upgrades" you referenced--SSD, power supply, Regen, fan, Jitterbug...

       

      Good luck!

    4. yzurdiaga

      yzurdiaga

      Ah, thanks for clarifying.  The best-informed decision will be to understand expected maintenance and updates.  Updates are one of the requirements that so detract from computing when they are not very automated.

       

      And I took a look at the Naim Uniti Core (Understanding each product capability is pretty veiled to me.  I could us a simple block diagram of system capabilities mapped to typical products.).  The core is much simpler than a lot of the streaming arrangements that, I'm sure, perform very well.  I'll re-state that I'm not that excited about learning a whole stack of kit and software just for digital output. So, the Core is on the list, thanks!

  2. Osoraku and Chris,<br /> <br /> An note on the capabilities of the Audio Midi on Mac (Snow Leopard, if it makes a difference):<br /> <br /> After your notes, I did some tinkering with the Mac Mini that I use as a directly-connected music server. I tried wireless serving from attached storage, but too many hesitations. All of the library on the Mini is ripped Apple Lossless, all standard CDs, no SACDs or the like yet.<br /> <br /> The top output for Toslink is 24/96 as your notes mention, but USB is only 16/48. <br /> <br /> So, I did some listening with the iTunes equalizer off (if I just turn up the volume a bit, everything balance out very nicely, so the equalizer is really only useful at lower volumes or for parties). The Audio Midi app makes it pretty easy, allowing switching on the fly. I really could not detect any difference between 4 of the 5 of the settings tried: <br /> USB 16/48<br /> Toslink 16/44.1<br /> Toslink 16/48<br /> Toslink 24/96<br /> <br /> Not much of a surprise, considering that all of the material was 44.1.<br /> <br /> However, the USB 16/44.1 was definitely different, sounding thinner and unpleasantly sharper. Strange that it was not the same as the Toslink 16/44.1.<br /> <br /> Any comments?<br /> <br /> And, thanks again for the great site.
  3. My preference is for naked systems. And, everyone's palette is personal (about wine, too). So I've used some common techniques to maximize my experience with no hindrance to musical dynamism. You may have already tried them, but here goes.<br /> <br /> First, turn off the iTunes equalizer. Focus on the highs, but the difference is across the spectrum. I can't live with deadness.<br /> <br /> Now, SPEAKER PLACEMENT has a lot to do with equalization, plus how they're presenting a sound stage. Eg, 9db minimum delta in bass registers by moving them off stands, to the wall, then into a corner. Highs will suffer, though (yes, an argument for equalization). Takes some experimenting to make the improvements to your taste. Most rooms have ample flaws, but this works to improve a lot.<br /> <br /> Last, the the pre-amp's gain and amplifier's level of output has another very big effect, in combination with speaker response. At the end of the day, no component is that linear in output. Get a system into the sweet spot, and it sounds better. Try turning off the loudness control in your car stereo, and just turn up the volume. Voila, lows and highs return.<br /> <br /> My home hifi system's pretty uneven at lower settings, so I turn it up and turn the iTunes volume down. At least that overcomes the pre-amp's tendencies. <br /> <br /> So there several controls available that will only make your listening pleasure more. If they're not enough, then there's the equalizer.<br /> <br /> If I've more to learn, please bring it on.
  4. Suggest that one of the bigger improvements that can be made in the Push setup: turn the Equalizer to Off. I've noticed in several tests across Apple Lossless and AIFF that the Equalizer compresses the music's dynamic range. Noticeably different.<br /> <br /> Best,<br /> ken
  5. So my Music Distribution design involves a ReadyNAS network storage device that's been a very good product. The bundled features are valuable, like backup and 6 streaming services, and the management interface is good.<br /> <br /> SITUATION<br /> I've bumped into a couple of complications, and I'm wondering if anyone has better options than what I'm considering. Overall, I'd like the ReadyNAS to be standalone, available to everyone in the house. That way, I can shut my laptop or take it on a trip (and avoid buying another desktop ;-) ).<br /> <br /> 1) AAIF files are not really supported by the iTunes streaming service, Firefly, which is otherwise very good - fast and easy to use. Firefly can see the files, but .aif files do not have tags as part of their architecture. So, just the song name: no Artist, Album, Genre, etc. Per Chris' recommendation, I've ripped an extensive library to .aif, and performance otherwise is excellent.<br /> <br /> 2) Apple TV cannot make use of the Firefly streaming service because it does not SEEM to support the coded paring that ATV uses as a method.<br /> <br /> OPTIONS<br /> 1) Re-rip the library Apple Lossless. Still can't directly connect the ATV that I know of, and I'd have to keep the laptop available.<br /> <br /> 2) Install a different streaming service on the ReadyNAS. I'm not sure that's even permiss-able with it's proprietary OS, and then upgrades could turn into an incompatible mess.<br /> <br /> 3) Set up an additional identity on my daughter's desktop, and make sure that it's always logged in and running iTunes.<br /> <br /> 4) Buy a Mac mini and set it up to be of service. It has the advantage of lower power consumption than the NAS, but OUCH!, I thought I was avoiding having yet another device to pay for and manage. (I could have just started with a Mini and expanded storage, foresaking the NAS features and avoiding the expense of an ATV, but it's a bit late for that.)<br /> <br /> Ideas welcome.<br /> <br /> Best,<br /> ken
  6. Chris,<br /> <br /> This has been a really good series, and many thanks. The whole site is unique, and it's been a big help getting my digital system off the ground. I have 2 topics, so I'll split them into 2 posts.<br /> <br /> Topic 1 - PULL SETUP<br /> Would it be helpful to understand the steps to getting ATV pull going? There are several major steps that a 1st-timer might want to know, and I'm pretty sure they're different than those covered in the Push setup. If my memory is correct they might be, on an Apple system:<br /> - Set iTunes Prefs for Sharing<br /> - Set iTunes Prefs to look for ATVs (can uncheck syncing, and I'd recommend it per until you come out with your piece on syncing)<br /> - Connect to Shared music from ATV: choose between Shared Library and Connect to iTunes. The iTunes option will include the syncing option. Connect to iTunes has been really unstable for me, even with the syncing option turned off in iTunes prefs. (I have a large, networked library, which may be an issue. See below)<br /> - Cut to Chris' sweet-looking vid on navigating music in Front Row<br /> <br /> It may also be good to understand some of the +/-s of pulling. Some of these observations may be specific to my setup, but others are for all. And, please understand that overall, I'm a fan of what Apple's doing to simplify high quality digital music. The products are much better these days; as little as a year ago I wouldn't have considered iTunes as a platform in my plan, and I'm pretty technical. <br /> <br /> Pros and Cons:<br /> + Simple navigation<br /> + Album art available on the connected display (good recommendation, btw)<br /> - A downgrade from the features of the iTunes interface. This is mostly the availability of the 3-pane selectability of factors like genre, artist, album, etc. I love to multi-select some genres and launch shuffle play for playing to the mood of the moment.<br /> - Availability of other streaming sources to the ATV, other than iTunes the app. I have a ReadyNAS with iTunes streaming service, but the ATV's coded pairing defeats the use of the Firefly iTunes streaming service, at least I haven't found a workaround.<br /> <br /> Downsides I've experienced. Maybe it's my network, but...<br /> - Network drop-off. I have to reconnect the ATV to the network, reentering the network password, pretty much every time I return to this room's system, the living room. I turn off the display, DAC, pre-amp, and amp when I leave the room. <br /> - Stability. So far, stability has not been good, and iTunes has hung several times with a large collection and a Belkin Pre-N router that has been rock-solid in an Apple household compared to all other brands, including AEBS. Using the Simply pushing music to the ATV has been good. Using the Shared Library option instead has been better, much better - took a while to read the whole list.
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