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Mini Mac as audio server?

OK, I've existed in blissful ignorance of the OSX world, being a Windows dude. But, this little miniMac thing might change my world. Small enuf to stick next to the stereo... Cheap enuf too... With DVI and DVD, probably eliminates my DVD player as well. Check it out:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/

Sooo, someone wanna educate a non-OSX user on audio via Macs? Right now I'm 70% through ripping over 1K CDs to WAV files. I'm thinking the files will eventually end up on one of the Buffalo Terabyte NAS RAID 5 devices when they become available next month. So... the questions...

- Can I play the WAV files via iTunes?
- Is iTunes smart enuf to recognize that I've dropped the files into /Artist/Album directory format and create tags?
- Anyone using an Edirol UA-1D via USB out of the Mac? Any compatibility issues?
- Anything better to do PCM output from the Mac than the Edirol?
- If I watch a DVD, and output the video to my plasma via the DVI port, will the Apple media software recognize that I want PCM output, not multichannel?

Any help appreciated.
edesilva

Showing 5 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
You guys are makin' my brain smoke with all this high falutin' computer talk... :)

But the little Mac Mini does look cool...as does the new Mini Ipod.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Yes, I was about to edit my post...I was referring to the iPod Shuffle.
True, it lacks some features, but for a basic digital playback machine it
appears to be ideal for active use, i.e. at the gym. The Shuffle could be
another home run for Apple...especially the 1 gig version that will sell
for $149.

Apologies for hi-jacking the thread...

...back to the originally scheduled discussion...

tvad
9,467 posts
 
Why would a Mini Mac be better than, say, a used G4 iBook? A used iBook can be purchased for around $1000, and already includes a screen and keyboard, unlike the Mini Mac which would require the purchase of additional display and keyboard.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Edesilva, no doubt the Mini Mac looks cool, and has a small footprint, but don't you need a screen to see what you're doing? And where does that bring the price of the Mini Mac when that is included. What's a BT keyboard?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
BT=Bluetooth. Aha..now I understand why you don't need a separate monitor.

What Bluetooth device would do you use operate the Mini Mac from your sofa?

Rsbeck uses a Mac with an Apogee Mini DAC ($975). This concept has piqued my interest, and since my reference two channel rig is in a room without a TV, the iBook is more along what I would need since it's compact and has it's own keyboard and screen.
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