2. pc-audio
  3. 147011-6303

Best Mods for a Mac-mini used as a Music Server

I have my Mac-mini on order...should be able to pick it up tomorrow, 2/27/19, at my local Apple Store.  So, I would love to hear member opinions & experiences on the panoply of modifications out there to improve the performance & sound quality of a Mac-mini based music server.

Not sure how much difference it makes, but the Mac-mini I will be using is a 2018 model.

Thanks in advance!


OldManDave
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xoldmandave

Showing 2 responses by n80

n80
1,227 posts
 
Here is an article about going the Mac Mini route:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/turning-a-mac-into-a-music-server/
n80
1,227 posts
 
The nice thing about the Mac Mini is that if this all blows up in your face and you hate it as a music server it remains a perfectly cable little PC you can use for something else.

I am currently using an old iMac as my music server through a modestly priced DAC using iTunes and Apple Remote (very convenient). CDs are ripped to ALAC using the free XLR app. 

Currently I'm perfectly happy with this super inexpensive set up and found the SQ to be very close to that of CD on a decent CDP. Sound is warmer and a little less bright that CD.....which my wife actually likes better.

I do not think my ears are as critical as some here.
More to discover