Is the Mac Mini such a mediocre transport?

I don't really know why it is sensible. Its just opinion. In his opinion

Opinions are like arseholes, we all have one.

Sensible is the sense that I've always found Apple power supplies a bit ropey. I was looking for ways to improve my Mac in to the Naim DAC (probably go for the HiFace) when I came across this article.

Surely you just need a 'bit perfect' source to get a perfect sound

I'd rather have a completely perfect one. Why just a bit?

You mean a bit is not a bit? Shocking stuff!

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
Sorry for the controversial title, but according to Item Audio who make a rather good looking Digital Audio Transport.

I think you totally sum it up in the first sentance ... they make a good looking Digital Audio Transport, so they find the possible negatives in the MacMini.

They rubbish TOSLink, but then their basic computer doesn't have anything other than basic TOSLink and Co-ax off the motherboard which is likely to be worse. There is also an argument which does stand up that using TOSLink provides a totally galvanically isolated signal path so actually is an IMPROVEMENT over Co-ax SPDIF.

At a basic level, their computer is just basic off the shelf parts put together with a linear PSU - which may provide an improvement but may not. I'm not even sure if the linear PSU bypassed DC-DC converters which are often a worse contributor to SQ than an external linear PSU - remember that the UnitiServe (IIRC) uses a basic laptop-style power brick which is likely to be SMPSU.

They also rubbish iTunes which is just an opinion which many people hold a counter opinion to. On top of that - the price is quoted as "from £595" forgetting to mention that on top of that you need an operating system £180 is the price for Windows 7 Ultimate.

At the end, they also suggest using Songbird on (I assume) Linux ... but to my knowledge Songbird is unable to use Memory Play mode (as they claim) and wasn't considered bit-perfect - it's difficult to disable sample rate conversion - (edit: I may be wrong here).

At the end of the day, the comments about the MacMini are more about marketing and promoting their own product than any real differences. Once you add a good FireWire DAC, or USB to SPDIF converter to the MacMini, the only problem left is the PSU - and that is often considered a non-problem.

Eloise

PS. This isn't really about MacMini at all ... his comments are about any general purpose computer vs. Item Audio's digital transport.

It's about how much store you set in linear PSU vs. switch mode PSU as this is the only thing "special" about the Item Audio device - the rest is pretty much off the shelf assembly.

It's not clear what is and isn't included, but the cost of all that excluding a case is going to be around £400 (assuming they include the stated 4Gb RAM and a BR drive). 4G of ram is overkill (even for video) and I'd much prefer the dual 330 core over the single 230 so it's not clear what a "sensible" system price would be. It's also interesting to see they say it is silent. So far, in my experience, the 330/Ion can't run totally passively with the heatsink supplied on the Zotac board.

It'd be interesting to find out what playback software they would use. The website says they will install linux Ubuntu s/w for "a fee". It would also be interesting to see what that fee is since the Ion system is basically supported out of the box on Ubuntu so it's a 45 minute job in total.

As to sound quality - we will be comparing a mac mini with amarra to a zotac ion/xbmc based system into the nDAC in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for more info...

Thanks Eloise

Using a MacBook Pro, which I already have, does seem to be an easy way for me to play downloaded music on the Naim nDAC, but I'm not happy with the performance through optical out compared with USB sticks. I think I'll get the new HiFace EVO.

Would you agree his specific statement

the Mac laptop's USB implementation is audibly superior to the Mac Mini's USB output!

is it just more marketing hype. Only thing I can think of is that the Mini's internal SMPSU may be noisy.

I don't like Apple's external PSUs and have got the odd spark or two from some - wonder if there is a better PSU for my Apple MacBook PRO.

ATB Rotf

The mini doesn't have an internal SMPS - its in an external brick. The two USB outputs may sound different - but then i'd put this down to the connected DAC being susceptible to noise fed via the USB cable from the host computer coupling where it shouldn't. They also dont mention whether this sounds better when the Macbook is running from internal or external power, specs of the different machines etc etc. If you've got a Mac then forget USB and use Firewire.

James

quote:

Originally posted by james n:
The mini doesn't have an internal SMPS - its in an external brick.

The new Mini is internal.

This whole "advertising" sounds very negative on the way they beatup on a MacMini and MacBook - that kind of advertising always turns me off. Say how they feel they have improved, then let people make their own mind up - especially as the improvement is over ANY general purpose computer NOT just a MacMini. Generally that company has made some questionable claims e.g. iPod with Wadia dock (modified by them) is better than any computer with 16/44.1 material.

As for MacBook vs MacMini, I have seen elsewhere comments that running a MacBook off battery can improve the sound so this is probably what they refer to.

Eloise

quote:

The new Mini is internal.

Very true - but then Item audio weren't referring to the latest slimline version ?

I still mean to try a Linear Supply on my Mini - i have the cable but finding a beefy 18v supply is more difficult without borrowing one from work.

James

Thanks James

Ah so the Item Audio is just marketing nonsense then - didn't realise Mac Mini had external PSU - for some reason thought it had internal one like PowerMac/iMac - must be getting old.

quote:

If you've got a Mac then forget USB and use Firewire.

Naim DAC does not accept Firewire so need a converter - M2Tech's USB to S/PDIF seems an inexpensive solution, whereas Firewire to S/PDIF is a bit pricey.

Is the INT202 worth the extra?
Had thought it's lack of a BNC interface might negate the advantage of Firewire over USB - but this is mind over ears again as I've never heard the thing. Plus I need to upgrade to Leopard or Snow Leopard to try it - suppose that is not a bad idea.

Many thanks, Rotf

ROTF - i'm sure Allen B compared both the Hi-Face and INT202 into his nDAC - worth a search back.

James