just starting - mac vs. windows computer source?

Mitch2, Thanks for starting this thread. I am in the same position as you, and have decided to delay taking the plunge for a couple more years mostly because i get the feeling that computer audio is a lot of work to get right. Same reason I don't go back to vinyl. I want a hobby, not another chore. But, if one has the time to do the work, it would seem the rewards can be substantial. I think there are many of us that would like an update on your progression once you start putting things together.

Macs rule! Hate PCs. Everything else being close to equal, I'd go Mac every time.

Mitch,

Please keep us updated with your decision and how it turns out for you. As I mentioned earlier, my focus in the next few months will be on the USB converter, but after that will have to make the same decision you are making now and we seem to share many points of view and constraints (eg, I don't know macs beyond my iPad). As of today my thinking is either Mac mini with A+ or CAPS with JRiver and maybe JPlay.

BTW, I think we exchanged a while back when I was getting my Lamm LL2. Was that you?

Best of luck in this next leap forward.

Hey Lewinskih01, yes that was probably me discussing the LL2 Deluxe, as I used it in the "other" best system I have owned, which included the LL2 Deluxe with M1.1 monos. That system was so musical but the upper end darkness of the M1.1s simply left the feeling that something was missing. The LL2 D is a long-time keeper.

Hello all, this decision has been like peeling back layers of an onion.

On the surface, just about anyone can benefit from the flexibility, convenience and "good" sound of computer audio by simply downloading a player, burning their CDs using their existing computer equipment (Mac or Windows) and running their existing laptop or computer through a reasonably priced DAC.

If your goals are to have a bit higher quality, using dedicated audio hardware, it seems a music server is the way to go. Apparently sound quality approaching all but the best CD players can be achieved using hardware like a reasonably priced Mac mini or a dedicated desktop (or even a dedicated laptop) with external storage.

If your system is already very good, it seems the first two levels may not be the end game. In this case, a higher quality Mac mini with SSD and at least 8GB RAM must be considered or a higher level Windows based server such as one of the CAPS models. A suitable Mac mini with USB super drive can be had for about $1,200 and the already constructed CAPS servers I have looked at seem to be about $1,500 for a similar level of performance, including 256GB SSD and Audio Class 2.0 drivers. The CAPS v.3 Carbon offers the benefit of having no fan but the mini would come with more memory 8GB vs. 4GB in the Carbon. I have not yet read any comparisons between the i7 quad processor in the Mac and the processor used in the CAPS Carbon. External storage would add anywhere from about $500 to $1K with either of these options.

I strongly suspect I will need at least this third level to achieve the sound I have from my system now. Therefore, it appears at a minimum I need to plan on $1.5K plus the costs of external storage and a DAC (probably around $3K total) just to jump in at a level where I will be satisfied.

Going forward, there seems to be another whole level to the servers that I cannot find too much information about. On the Mac side, folks like Mojo Audio and Core Audio Technology will provide anything from kit power supply upgrades to whole unit upgrades for prices ranging from about $900 to around $2K. Either Core Audio or Mojo will sell you the whole deal for the ballpark of $3K. On the Windows side, options include the top CAPS v.3 Zuma (about $2,200 with 8GB and 256GB SSD) and/or the addition of the Red Wine Audio Black Lightning power supply (about $1,200 with two battery packs), which can be added to either the Carbon or Zuma. Therefore, to achieve this higher level, I would be investing in the ballpark of $3K, or north, plus the cost of the DAC, plus the cost of external storage, regardless of whether I choose Mac or Windows.

I may be over thinking this, but it is something I prefer to plan once and execute, rather than going the "small steps trial and error" method I used to assemble my system.

Mitch,

Yeap, it was definitely you. My LL2 deluxe is a keeper. Not having a remote will be an issue for many, but it doesn't bother me especially in the context of computer audio and the ability to remotely change volume for those moments someone is speaking to me and need to lower volume temporarily. Did you consider the ML1.2 at the time of upgrading amps?

You've come a long way in just one week or so since your first post. Luckily the discussion here didn't turn into Mac vs. Windows as if it was attacking the very essence of the people involved. I don't find that helpful.

Some thoughts about your post above. Both the Carbon and mini with a gazillion GB RAM will be wonderful. But I tend to think you are thinking too expensive for just trying out. For a dedicated audio server you don't need much processing horsepower, as evidenced in all but the CAPS meant to run DSP, and my own experience with an older laptop with CPU activity below 4% while playing music. Having RAM is good, but 4 GB seems adequate (my laptop has only 1 GB!!!!), so not sure going to 8 GB is a need - but it is cheap, though.

Here's a path for your consideration: get a used mini off eBay and upgrade some parts. Steve Nugent claims the Oct-09 (I think that was the month) was the best sounding mini he has heard, plus they are cheap. Those minis came with an external (switching) power supply, unlike the new ones. Add a SSD, RAM and you are good to go. BTW, do you really need 256 GB SSD? Add a linear power supply later if you like what computer audio is doing for you. Mojo and Core Audio are certainly options, and make sure you read through the feedback - I have seen threads about them, but don't have enough info to have a point of view about them.

Have fun!