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I am considering an upgrade to the newest Mac mini 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with 4GB memory from an older Mac mini 1.83 GHz Intel Core duo with 2 GB of memory. I use the Mac as a headless music server connected to a Weiss Minerva DAC, running iTunes and Audrivana. This is also connected to a Synology server that holds my music. I would appreciate members comments as follows: What are the upsides? Any downsides? Any other advice?

I own an older model MAC mini with 2GB of RAM, considering purchasing a new MAC mini for future RAM upgrade. Any disadvantages with the MAC mini?

I tried the new firmware too. Downloaded the new Firewire software, downloaded and uploaded the the new firmware. The Minerva DAC control panel and Audio midi settings both set the same, but no flashing lights to confirm bit transparency. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks

I use these two sites and copy/paste. http://www.albumartexchange.com/covers.php?sort=1&q=&fltr=1&bgc=&page= http://albumart.org/index.php?lan=us

Which is best sonically? Digital in the DAC202, Stepped resistor in the ATT202 or my current preamp Jeff Rowland Concerto, or are they all the same? Thanks

If the Weiss Minerva is my only source component, would replacing the Minerva with the DAC202 eliminate the need for a preamp? How does the Weiss ATT202 Passive Attenuator handle volume control vs the DAC202? Thanks

I am very intrigued by the new Weiss DAC but as someone who purchased a Minverva this time last year, I am very curious about an upgrade path that would eliminate taking a significant loss on the Minverva to step up. Any word?

I have been following this string and if I understand it correctly, I only need to replace my 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire Cable from my MAC mini to Minerva DAC, with a 6 pin to 4 pin cable plus 4 pin female to 6 pin male adaptor to effectively de-power my firewire connection and I should notice a significant sonic improvement. ... and the investment is only an inexpensive cable and inexpensive adaptor? Is this correct? Thanks

Does anyone know of sources of hi-rez music for the common man? I am a devout computer audiophile and listen to many populars artists from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. My tastes run from Yes, Genesis and Rolling Stones to Sheryl Crow, U2 and John Mayer. While I can appreciate Exotic Dances from the Opera Minnesota Orchestra Eiji Oue in hi-rez, I would rather listen to the music mentioned above, even better if I could find it via download in hi-rez. Any advice? Thanks

I use a headless MAC mini running iTunes connected to a server and a Weiss Minerva DAC. My MAC mini has 1GB of RAM. I use it to run iTunes and iPhoto only. Will any see any performance improvement if I upgrade to 2GB or 4GB of RAM?

All else being equal, $1495 seems to be a high price for auto sample rate detection. Does the Amarra provide any other benefit?

Related question re: SACD Is it possible to copy SACD Audio files to a MAC running iTunes?

Considering a Synology CS407 for for itunes access of music collection. Thoughts or experience with this unit? How does it compare to Qnap TS 409 Turbo?

From the Synology website: DS207+ Specifications iTunes Server Support Audio Format: MP3, M4A, M4P, WAV(4), AIF(4) Playlist Format: M3U, WPL (4) The music can be streamed, but may not be indexed on the iTunes.

Which NAS(s) fully support AIF format? I have been researching NAS(s) to use as storage for my music collection saved uncompressed in AIFF format. I will use a headless MAC mini running iTunes to access my music via ethernet connection. The Synology 207+ was high on my list until I learned that it does not fully support AIFF format. Specifically, I was told that while it supports streaming it does not support indexing, so iTunes will not recognize meta data. Is this true of other NAS(s) from other manufacturers?