MAC mini - UnitiServe - ND?
Posted by: Erich on 10 December 2014
For a year or so I've been building my Naim kit and now I am willing to upgrade my digital source.
Problem is that I can't audition different alternatives, I have to import whatever I choose.
Any comment / advice is welcome.
Actual kit:
Macbook air (SSB) + Audirvana+
Pro-Ject 6 Perspecx TT + Pro-Ject Phono Box RS
V1-DAC & Hugo
NAC202 + HI-CAP + NAPSC
NAP200
PMC twenty.23
Thank you very much.
Erich
If you want an easy life, go for the Unitiserve. Rip your CDs into it, transfer existing digital files or downloads to it, attach a NAS if you already have one. Then just plug it into one of your DACs and enjoy the music. It's a very simple device to live with.
What's wrong with your source now ? You could buy a unitiserve. But if you are looking to throw away a lot of money why not just send it to me?
You currently have 2 transports, 2 DACs, and 2 pre amps..... :-)
I use the macbook air as a transport to the V1 and have the music library in external 1TB HDs and just drag'n drop files to A+.
Sometimes I replace the v1 by the Hugo which I mainly use as a mobile DAC/HP amp.
Regards. Erich
I'd agree with Wat that a Mac Mini would fit in well with what you already have; it has to be better than expecting a multi-tasking Macbook cope with your music. It's a cheap option too, compared to a Unitiserve or NDX.........
Thanks you very much for your comments and advise.
I'm very glad to read that MAC Mini could be the way to go.
Unfortunately, local MAC stores don't have the ssb version.
I have been reading about Core Audio's MAC Mini Servers, they have versions with different quality upgrades from about US$1K to many Ks. Anyone could comment/suggest?
Regards. Erich
Not sure which country you are in Erich, however, are you able to order from the online Apple Store? If so, you could specify the amount RAM and type of hard drive you want.
The Core Audio and other customisation services are interesting and a couple of forum members using the Naim DAC have said that have improved SQ from having a linear PSU.
However, as I am using a V1 which is designed to reduce the noise of a computer entering it, it is not something I am prioritising.
Of course, the theory/premise is that customisation of the Mini will reduce electrical noise inside the it and provide a better signal.
Good luck
Jude
Hi Jude, Wat,
I live in Chile, as a small country, here there is only one Naim dealer and has a very limited number of products in stock or for demo. Same thing happens with other Hi Fi brands.
In the case of MAC, I don't know why the don't have the Mini SSB in their program, they have most of the MAC products, accessories and devices from associated brands. The Apple store will have the same restriction. The Apple Store is very limited for our country.
I also have the V1 as you do. I have tried the MB Air plugged and simply running off its battery and I have not detected a difference in SQ. The problem with the MB Air is that the replay is interrupted, sometimes once in a listening session of 2-3 hours, sometimes 2-3 times in an hour. I have experimented with different settings of the parameters related with energy savings as well with security and display. I have a lot of memory assigned to A+ to play from memory.
The main use of the MB Air is for music replay. When I travel I use it to check email with Safari, also have xld, xAct and SuperDuper, in addition to all the standard applications it comes with, which I never use.
I think I will take advantage of a friend's trip to NY to bring a CoreAudio Mini in the low price range.
Are you using the Mini with OSX or a different OS? (CoreAudio offers a version with Windows.) I'm personally OSX and in the office Windows.
I have asked a certified electrician to help me with a separate circuit for my main kit, but I have been short of time to push that project, but is something I have to do.
Thank you very much for your advice.
Regards. Erich
Erich,
A shame that there is not mch choice in Chile.
Not sure why you get interruptions of playback on the MBP Air, I have not experienced this on the Mini.
I use Mac OS X. Some believe that Windows Server 2012 is a better OS for music as it can be configured to have a very small foot print.
Up to you whether you go for for a pimped or non-pimped Mini.
I am extremely happy with mine being of standard internals. The only customisation I have done is turning off all non essential software processes, including Finder. In respect of hardware, I have IR, Bluetooth and Wifi switched off and only have one item connected to USB. I also repair permissions and disk repair from the recovery partition before and after I install updates to software.
Let et us know of your progress.
Jude
Disable spotlight and any time machine backups if you've not done so already.
Wat, Bingo!
I reduced the amount of memory in A+ preferences, changed other settings and no more interruptions.
I will verify restoring all but the memory parameter to be sure memory is the key.
Thanks a lot for your hint.
James, I have no time machine backups but I couldn't disable spotlight.
Regards. Erich
Hi Erich,
You can disable Spotlight from the Preferences option in Audirvana :
Hi Jan-Erik,
Thank you very much.
I had that option selected.
Aha! The icon remains there, only displays the searching box and while A+ is running it does nothing.
I thought it wasn't disabled as the icon was still present.
TYVM again.
Regards. Erich