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Mac Mini as a music server

I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences [positive and negative] as well as words of caution for using a Mac Mini as a music server.  It seem that most all of the audio-magazine reviewers that use a computer for a music server use a Mac Mini.  A few the economically elite swing for dedicated, purpose-specific computers that are optimized for music, but I <unfortunately> do not fall into that privileged company.

Topics of interest: 
> Which music sever app do you use?  I have read & received recommendation for JWRivers, Channel D, Roon & others.  What has been your experiences?
> Any particular shortcomings of the Mac Mini vs other platforms?
> Words of wisdom in making this work?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to provide your insight.
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bratsteve
1 posts
 
The deeper digital part where it will manage the particular aspects which are going to get it around the process for such way you need to get it and this will be going to provide the valuable way for the user because it is necessary for them as music server not able to work properly so need to contact Microsft for the issue .
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mesch
1,679 posts
 
I use a 2010 MAc Mini with Pure Music program. Output USB via Audiophellieo 2 with Pure Power into a Bryston BDA-1. Works fine for me. 
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dbphd
1,058 posts
 
I use a Mac Mini with SSD to send files from Roon via ethernet to an Ayre QX-5 Twenty digital hub.  The interface to Roon is an iPad.  The sound quality is superb.
wtf's avatar
wtf
306 posts
 
I recently re-purposed an old Mac mini (2010) to server duty and have been pretty happy with the outcome. I'm using Asset UPnP in conjunction with either Hi-Fi Cast or BubbleUPnP apps for control to a Chromecast Audio. Works and sounds great. Just ordered a Sonore microRendu (Christmas present to self) which should arrive next week. 
oldmandave's avatar
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oldmandave OP
22 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your input & Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to all of you.

From what I have read thus far, the Mac-mini music server seems like a very logical point of entry that also has substantial upgradeability.  In the fairly recent past, I used a Marantz N-7004 & was pleased with its sound, but not happy about its lack of upgradeability.  I currently run a Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6, v2 in my home office vintage system [Carver + Theil].  It sounds much better than the Marantz did & does an excellent job as a DAC as well...but I am wanting more power & potential for my reference system in my 'Man Cave'.

Again, many thanks to all of you.  You have given me much to consider.  I hope this discussion continues!
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