chipchas

Sorry for the over sight. I definitely should have mentioned the differences in software. I tested both the MB Pro and the Mach2 Mini with Pure Music. The Mach2 has "optimization scripts" for PM. I actually haven't tried PM without the "optimization scripts". If it is of interest, I could compare PM with and without the script. However, the rest of the OS is also modded by Mach2. If you read www.mach2.com you will know as much as I. It was far from an apples to apples comparison. The MB Pro is stock and the Mini is modded (software and hardware). For what it is worth, the MB Pro has OSX 10.6.6 and the Mini 10.6.5. Hope this answers your question, Audiozorro Chipchas

Thanks for resurrecting my post, Audiozorro. I was very close to purchasing a stock 2010 Mac Mini, but I'm not the do it yourself type. I decided on a Mach2 Mini. I am using the MB Pro to screen share- works like a charm. My MB Pro is stock (2.53GHz, 4GB) using internal memory. The Mach 2 has a 40GB SSD, 8 GB, external firewire drive for memory. I compared the computers. Both were using Pure Music (version 1.63, with memory play, Hog mode, upsample using power of 2), Shunyata Hydra power conditioning, Ayre QB-9. USB, computer power, and Firewire cables are OEM. I find the Mach2 has improved the sound stage in both width and depth. There is a blacker back ground and better detail. There is an improved sense of ease. Maybe there is better definition in the bass. I was perfectly happy with the MB Pro and only got the mini so I could use the internet while listening to music. And so I wouldn't have to keep moving the laptop in and out of my system. Nice change. Chipchas

Hi all, I have been lurking here for forever and have learned lots. Thanks to all who contribute. I am currently using a Macbook Pro (2.53GHz, 4 GB), Pure Music, Ayre QB-9, Mccormack amp and pre, Shunyata power conditioning, and Vandersteen 2ce Sig 2. I am coming from a Mccormack UDP-1 and am thrilled with the computer as a source. Call me crazy, but the longer I leave the computer in place, the better it all seems to sound. The problem is that the Macbook Pro is my only computer and so I am often taking it in and out of the rack. I have been considering a 2010 Mac Mini (with upgraded RAM and maybe SSD) to free up the Macbook Pro. I've read a few postings that a MB Pro "easily betters" a Mini??? Has any body compared them? How far wrong could I go with the Mini? I would prefer to get a Mini, but maybe I should I stick with the Macbook Pro as the server and get another lap top for computing duties?? Thanks! Chipchas