jdjaye Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Friends, Geeks, Audiophiles, lend me your expertise! Specifically, what do you think the best options are for a $1k music server? Preferences: 1. No need to crack the box. 2. Don't need to install more than 3 software products. 3. Supports 24/192 and DSD formats 4. iPad playback control 5. Expandable USB drive storage Does anyone all something like this, or is a Mac mini the best option? Many thanks, and happy holidays! Ps. I'm sure there will be many different opinions, but please, let's disagree without being disagreeable- Best Stereo System: Wired Sonos Connect -> AQ Cinammon Digital Coax -> Marantz SA-8005 -> AA Black Momba 2 interconnects -> Marantz PM-15S2 -> Kimber 8TC speaker Cables -> Zu Soul Superfly speakers. Ingest> NAS> Distribution: Sony Vaio Laptop ripping via ITunes to Apple Lossless, manually synced to WD Mycloud NAS, Linksys 1900AC Router, Netgear Gig E switch, generic Ethernet cables, TPLinc ethernet power line extenders. Link to comment
NOMBEDES Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 All of the above. But if it is "turnkey" why install any software products. Plug and play, that is the ticket!! In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the issues at stake ~ Sayre's Law Link to comment
jdjaye Posted December 19, 2013 Author Share Posted December 19, 2013 Ideally no software needing to be installed, but is it is a repurposed PC or Mac, then you might need to install something... Any suggestions ? Best Stereo System: Wired Sonos Connect -> AQ Cinammon Digital Coax -> Marantz SA-8005 -> AA Black Momba 2 interconnects -> Marantz PM-15S2 -> Kimber 8TC speaker Cables -> Zu Soul Superfly speakers. Ingest> NAS> Distribution: Sony Vaio Laptop ripping via ITunes to Apple Lossless, manually synced to WD Mycloud NAS, Linksys 1900AC Router, Netgear Gig E switch, generic Ethernet cables, TPLinc ethernet power line extenders. Link to comment
wgscott Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Mac mini. No need to change anything. Link to comment
One and a half Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I would add a network port and am interested. I think a mini with an SSD would fall over the $1k line? For a Mac mini, you may need to remove programs or processes rather than adding, like Spotlight and all the social media flotsam. AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 You could look at the Auraliti players though they may be trickier to set up than a MacMini. But a MacMini may be best ... out of the box, install BitPerfect or Audirvana and bobs your uncle. You can tweak it stopping spotlight, and similar: but I would question "One and a Half's" assertion that you need to. A MacMini with 256GB SSD is $999 or if you are happy with a little noise then the the 1TB HDD version can be had for just $599. Eloise Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Sorry duplicate post. Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
realhifi Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Mac Mini. Awesome machine. No fuss, no muss (unless you just HAVE to fiddle!). David Link to comment
Paul R Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Mac Mini hands down. -Paul Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat DAC. Robert A. Heinlein Link to comment
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