[glrtrgi]

I know that Steve has recommended buying a late 2009 model for the best results if you were putting together a computer based audio system. Is that still the case or are more recent years' Minis preferable, and if so, which model/year is the best?

Thanks for the help.

GLR

[paul79]

MC238 with 2.26 dual core is the one you want. It sounds sublime once you get all the tweaking done to it. Just use Steve's write up to get it set up properly. The Hynes supply is really worth getting also, and makes it one fantastic server that is tough to beat.

[avahifi]

The Mac Mini is way way overdue for a major upgrade.  It might be wise to wait on that purchase..

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac_Pro

Scroll up or down to find the report.

Frank Van Alstine

[Larkston Zinaspic]

I realize I'm in the minority on this, but I didn't care much for the 2009 Mini with either of my Firewire DACs. I actually think my old Powerbook sounds better...but that's in my system, and IMHO. The point is you'll have to hear it for yourself, no matter what. If computer audio does nothing else, it gives you the opportunity to become even more neurotic than you thought you already were.

[bladesmith]

2011/quad core or newer.

[mresseguie]

GLR,

There was discussion on this just recently. JARCHER gave some very good advice. Here is the link to that thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=126948.msg1339498#msg1339498

[jarcher]

Yeah : considering the very high resale value of Mac minis, I'd just buy a new entry level one @ $550. Buying used after all is said and done you'll save yourself $300 at the very best. My understanding from the Mac mod guru Ben @ Mojo Audio, the stock post 2010 ones sound better than the earlier ones even if you do have to mod them for DC if you want to use an external linear lower supply. This to my mind was the only advantage of the pre 2010 ones : I.e. that they already used an external (switching) power supply, so upgrading that was plug and play.

[mresseguie]

GLR,

For a little more color:

My brand spanking new Mac Mini has replaced my 3 yr old PC. The PC was so noisy I hid it behind my desk just to conceal the worst of the noise. Now I switch on my Mini.....and.....I hear nothing. The clock on the wall makes more noise ticking than my Mini. What the hell took me so long? 

Okay. The Mini isn't perfect. I must buy Windows emulator software in order to run my stock trading program, and I must relearn some 'how to' things because of the different OS, but these minor quibbles aside........I'M SOOO GLAD I made the switch.  Actually, this is a switch back  since my first computer was a Macintosh 512k (no HD, 9" screen).

Best of luck!

Michael

[paul79]

What makes the newer Mini's better? Is it just the fact that they have more powerful processors?

[jarcher]

I think that may be part of it, but may also be that the components and case are higher quality and less noisy than previous version and most models consume overall less power than 2009 & earlier.  I believe that's the explanation Ben @ Mojo Audio gave me, though being a few years back my memory is foggy on all the details.

[bladesmith]

Look around for an actual mac mini "server".  They are built better. Get one with a quad core processor. You won't regret it. Then get whatever kind of external drive you want. The standard mac mini is not the same as the macmini server. Go quad core, you won't regret it.

[audioengr]

This is what I use and recommend.  I have compared it to newer versions, and even battery powered ones:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems

Powered by a Hynes SR5-8.5, it's killer good.  I use Amarra 4318 version until they come-up with a better one.

Steve N.

[avahifi]

Again, note that the current Mac Mini is way way overdue for replacement by Apple.  See my earlier post herein.

Frank VA

[jarcher]

This is what I use and recommend.  I have compared it to newer versions, and even battery powered ones:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems

Powered by a Hynes SR5-8.5, it's killer good.  I use Amarra 4318 version until they come-up with a better one.

Steve N.

Hi Steve : can you please elaborate as to why the late 2009 is the preferred model vs later minis?  Seems w/ the processor and memory limitation you might run into problems with hi rez music files and HD video….

[jarcher]

Again, note that the current Mac Mini is way way overdue for replacement by Apple.  See my earlier post herein.

Frank VA

Yes - the current one is two years old, but not sure a faster machine is going to make that much of a difference if used primarily as a music server.  The primary benefit of a new mac mini announcement may actually be further discounts on the current ones.  Apparently the price has already marginally been reduced recently in Europe.  Knowing Apple there probably won't be a huge price break on the old stock even when the new ones are announced.   But perhaps the price gap between the new presumably higher starting price and the old discounted price may tilt things in favor of the old.

[audioengr]

Hi Steve : can you please elaborate as to why the late 2009 is the preferred model vs later minis?  Seems w/ the processor and memory limitation you might run into problems with hi rez music files and HD video….

1) It can use an external power supply without mods.
2) Has a built-in CDROM drive
3) easy to modify to replace the HD with SSD and upgrade memory to 8 gigs
4) In my listening tests it just sounds better

No issues with 192 hi-res IME.

Steve N.

[jarcher]

1) It can use an external power supply without mods.
2) Has a built-in CDROM drive
3) easy to modify to replace the HD with SSD and upgrade memory to 8 gigs
4) In my listening tests it just sounds better

No issues with 192 hi-res IME.

Steve N.

Don't want to get to needlessly contentious here, but :

1) True - though Mojo Audio can do the DC conversion for about $300 - or even sell you the necessary components and send instructions for the DIY types at less money.

2) Also true, though some of the post 2009 models had DVD drives as well (even if the current ones don't).  I like having an internal DVD drive for ripping, but don't expect to have much more life out of it before it fails and have to use an external USB one anyway.  My iMAC DVD failed after about 5 years.  Replacements for iMacs & Minis are pricey as they are non standard and removing is no easy chore.

Personally I think ultimately it's better NOT to have a built in DVD drive that adds more complexity, cost and another perishable item within the chassis.  Better to use an external USB when needed, and store it away when not. USB DVDs cost $25. 

3) The post 2009's were much easier to replace memory : just open the round lid at the bottom.  The 2009 and earlier were apparently a total PIA to open.  Same would seem to be true to change the HD as access starts by taking off the round bottom tool-less cover in the mid 2010s and later.

4) Can't speak to this as have not done listening tests between the two.  I'm not sure what would otherwise be better in the 2009 & earlier though as there's more parts, complexity and power consumption.  But not discarding the idea that they may somehow be better in audio applications.

Jon

[paul79]

Steve really is (and has been) on to something with the late 2009 Mini.. If you follow his instructions, you get a world class digital source. It seems as though it is tough for people to wrap their heads around this as a SOTA digital source, but I'll say that it works like a charm here, beating out several transports, and a couple other servers I tried.

[ctsooner]

I realize this is an old thread, but I just got one of Steve's DAC's and Synchro Mesh units with all of his cabling. I'm pumped as my system is now Ayre AX5 integrated, Vandersteen Treo's with Audio Quest Castle Rock cables, AQ Niagara balanced into the Ayre, Basis tt with Benz Glider on top of a Gingko Cloud 12 with Steves digital. I was looking at servers and instead went the mac mini (2009) with Steve's cabling, the Hynes power supply, SSD, upgraded RAM and Amarra.  Everything that Steve has on his thread.  I can't wait to hear it all.  Still not sure if I will use the Mac's super drive or get an external unit that Steve recommends (or if any of you have a recommendation I'm open to hearing.  I asked him about a NAS or just a RAID 1 hard drive for backup and storage of my large library as the internal is only to hold play lists etc... 

I'm really enjoying this forum.  thanks. all.