2. pc-audio
  3. 138830-6303

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.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xoldmandave
wtf's avatar
wtf
306 posts
 
Do you think it stems from Apple's penchant for not providing ancillary vendors pre-knowledge of impending changes/updates & the subsequent lag as the ancillary vendor "catches up" to make their program compatible?

Yes, absolutely. Over the years each and every music player program I've used has been impacted by an Apple update. (I have licences for Amarra, Audirvana+, BitPerfect, Fidelia, HQPlayer, JRMC, and Pure Music.) Very frustrating indeed. From my experience HQPlayer has seen fewer issues than the others. Eventually the problems get fixed, for the most part anyway. I stopped using Pure Music entirely after one such update .. the problem was never resolved and I gave up. Don't even get me started on Amarra!

Of course the easy option is, as @thaluza mentioned, to turn off auto updates but I'm with @sbank on this one. 
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kevinahern1
1 posts
 
I've been running Roon on my 2012 mini for about 5 years. It feeds an Allo USBridge in another room which in turn feeds my NuPrime integrated. I haven't bothered to update the OS in quite some time. I use it strictly as a music server. It is always on and functions beautifully. Everything sounds great. I'm actually considering buying another one now to have ready when this one inevitably dies. 
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