AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Empirical Audio => Topic started by: audioengr on 30 Apr 2012, 01:38 am
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Here are some software tweaks that make a significant difference in SQ with Mac OSX (I'm staying with Snow Leopard):
Download the file here:
http://www.ultrafi.biz/ (http://www.ultrafi.biz/)
I have also been told by many that putting a SSD like these in the Mac Mini makes a big difference, even to the older DC powered ones like I have:
http://www.ssd-for-mac.com/mini-upgrades/sata-ssd.html (http://www.ssd-for-mac.com/mini-upgrades/sata-ssd.html)
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/ (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/)
or:
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT128M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JKZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335749763&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT128M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JKZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335749763&sr=8-1)
I have also heard that improving the power supply for the newer AC-powered Minis makes a big difference (by removing the switcher and using an external supply), but I'm not convinced that changing the floor-wart on the older Mini makes a significant difference.
Steve N.
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Thanks Steve.
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Compared a 2011 64-bit Mac Mini with i7 Snow Leopard (also with no AC supply inside - external DC supply), SSD, 8GB DRAM to:
my older 32-bit 2009 Mac Mini with standard floor-wart supply, Snow Leopard, SSD, 8GB DRAM. Both using Amarra 2.3.2 4319, and stopping all unneeded apps, ala Mach2music.
The older Mac wins. Better high-end extension. More live on Piano and strings. This is what I'm using at Newport Beach show.
Steve N.
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Why are you sticking with Snow Leopard? Wonder how that comparison would go with Lion on the 2011?
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Why are you sticking with Snow Leopard? Wonder how that comparison would go with Lion on the 2011?
I have not hear Lion yet, but I seriously doubt if it will fix the SQ with the newer Mac.
Steve N.
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I have not heard Lion yet
Well, maybe you should? Wink2
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Here are some software tweaks that make a significant difference in SQ with Mac OSX (I'm staying with Snow Leopard):
Download the file here:
http://www.ultrafi.biz/ (http://www.ultrafi.biz/)
When i go to the webpage it seems like its a webstore? Can't seem to find a place in it where to download a file. Can someone gimme a hand here?
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Compared a 2011 64-bit Mac Mini with i7 Snow Leopard (also with no AC supply inside - external DC supply), SSD, 8GB DRAM to:
my older 32-bit 2009 Mac Mini with standard floor-wart supply, Snow Leopard, SSD, 8GB DRAM. Both using Amarra 2.3.2 4319, and stopping all unneeded apps, ala Mach2music.
The older Mac wins. Better high-end extension. More live on Piano and strings. This is what I'm using at Newport Beach show.
Steve N.
Steve, do you have any theories as to why? I'm assuming this is USB, not toslink?
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When i go to the webpage it seems like its a webstore? Can't seem to find a place in it where to download a file. Can someone gimme a hand here?
These tweaks will be available on apple.com in iBooks. These titles:
The Audio Optimization Guide For Apple For Apple OS X - Mountain Lion
The Audio Optimization Guide For Apple For Apple OS X - Snow Leopard
Steve N.
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Steve, do you have any theories as to why? I'm assuming this is USB, not toslink?
Here is my theory: Slower CPU, slower front side bus and faster better USB ports and controllers. DC-powered.
Probably all of the above make a difference.
Steve N.
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Just got a Mac Mini (late 2009) last night and replaced the hd with an SDD and added 8gb of ram.
I can see or hear rather why this is better than the newer mac minis ( got a 2011 model to compare) .
Highs are definitely more extended , and the sound seems a bit more natural.
Will try out the OS tweaks later to see if there's more improvement.
Thanks,
Ruben