Best Server - Mac Mini or Laptop Or ?

I have tried both PC's and 2009, 2011 Mac Minis, including Mach2Music. By far the best playback I have found is using my 2009 Mac Mini using the USB port next to the center one. A major difference in these computers is the USB port electronics IME. All Minis were DC powered or battery powered (even the 2011) and had 120GB SSD installed, no spinning hard disks.

I use not the latest version, but an older version of Amarra, 4318/19:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105236.0

I have had a number of servers here and so far none of them challenge the 2009 Mini using this version of Amarra. Won best sound of show from TAS for 2 years at RMAF using this combo.

I would buy a late 2009 Mini on ebay and then add the SSD from Other World Computing to it. Takes 30 minutes. Then consider a power supply from Paul Hynes Design for it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Next thing to do is ditch the MP3's and play AIFF files on the Mac. Rip CD's using XLD (freeware).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve,

Which 2009 model are you referring to? MC238LLA or MC239LLA or other?

What differences are there between a 2009 and 2012 mini in terms of sound?

What hard drive, usb to dac cable and dac would you recommend?

Chuck - this mini:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Descriptions/specs/Framework.cfm?page=macminilate09.html

With Snow Leopard on it.

CDC2 - sound differences are: 2011 sounds a bit flat, uninteresting, not vivid, without weight. A bit threadbare. Also 2011 only works decent with short USB cable.

SSD I recommend is:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/Y3SSD6E120/

USB cable: I like the Revelation Audio Labs. Also heard that the Wireworld is good, but have not compred it. If you can find a used Locus Design Polestar or Axis, these are very good. Get at least 1.5m long.

As for DAC, I manufacture one, so this is what I recommend. Gets rid of your preamp without needing to go to digital volume control.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio