AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Apple Core => Topic started by: Crimson on 23 Mar 2008, 06:47 pm
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OK, so we've got a good list of how folks have their Minis set up. I thought it would be nice for non-Mini owners to share their setups, and low.pfile was gracious enough to let me copy and paste his original post. So, how is your Apple non-Mini (iMac, MacBook, MacPro etc) set up as a music server or part of a digital music system? Let's see your configuration whether you have a straight forward Mac to integrated amp to bookshelfs, or you have the Mac connected to an external hard drive and connected into a distributed network to many systems. Please provide brands and models of the specific hardware, cabling, etc. used.
To fill out the form just click the "QUOTE" button (on the right) of the following post and delete these two lines:
[ q u o t e author=xxxx link=topic=51326.msg459813#msg459813 date=1203640641]
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[/q u o t e]
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor:
Operating system version:
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):
Internal memory installed:
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s):
Music file format:
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):
Pre amplifier:
External DAC:
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system:
Interconnect types between Mac and X:
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
d. Other comments:
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: 20" iMac Code Duo 2 GHz
Operating system version: 10.5.2
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 3 TB external NAS
Internal memory installed: 2 GB
Monitor/keyboard: Wireless Apple KB and wireless MightyMouse
Wireless hardware: Time Capsule with an AEBS set up as a WDS, Airport Express, and Apple TV
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: ALAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): FrontRow and iTunes in full screen mode
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): ASL Hurricane DT/Bryston 7B-ST
Pre amplifier: AVA T-7 ECR
External DAC: Wavelength Audio Brick v2
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Bryston 10B electronic crossover
Speakers in this system: Magnepan MG-3.6/R, Vandersteen 2Wq
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Cardas Neutral Reference
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? An AppleScript to modify iTunes volume using the supplied Mac remote.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range? Modify iTunes for above volume control.
c. The part of your Mac that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Entire library at my fingertips/Random play
d. Other comments: This machine also streams to two other systems wirelessly via an Apple TV and an Airport Express.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Dual 2.3Ghz PowerPC G5
Operating system version: 10.4.11
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): External >OWC 750GB Mercury Elite Firewire with duplicate for backup
Internal memory installed: 4.5 GB DDR
Monitor/keyboard: Apple KB /20" Cinema display
Wireless hardware: Airport Extreme (Base)/ multiple Airport Expresses(1stGen)
Software music player(s): iTunes, also web browser streaming via Pandora/last.fm/XM Radio
Music file format: AIFF
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Remote A: netTunes application on MacBook Pro to control G5 iTunes, and Remote B: Alloysoft Signal application to use iTouch iPod as remote to G5 iTunes
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): SystemA) Amp = Denon AVR-4306 receiver SystemB: Amp = built-in SS amp via powered speakers
Pre amplifier: none
External DAC: System A: Monarchy NM24 Tube DAC / System B: Wavelength USB Brick
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: none
Speakers in this system: System A: Tetra 120U bookshelfs + ML Abyss sub / System B: Blue Sky Audio Media Desk 2.1 monitors/sub
Interconnect types between Mac and X: System A: monoprice Toslink optical to DAC with Ven Haus Pulsar Silver RCA / System B: Kimber Kable USB to DAC with Audio Art IC-3 RCAs to amp
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): G5 Mac Music Server and Hard Drives in home office.
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? N/A
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? I would be great if Apple HW and SW to allow at least 3 audio zones, i.e. send different music to different outputs/airtune locations. And of course, the HW should allow multiple ouptputs simultaneously
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Having all my music available with a few clicks.
d. Other comments: Just wanted to add that my music server is on computer that IS NOT a dedicated Music Server system. Though I almost never have any performance issues on either the audio side or the computer side (I run Illustrator and/or Photoshop and/or Browser along with iTunes.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Mac Pro, 2 x 3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors, NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 video card
Operating system version: 10.5.2 (Leopard)
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 1 TB internal (2 x 500 GB HDDs); 1 TB external back-up (Time Capsule)
Internal memory installed: 4 GB 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM
Monitor/keyboard: 23" LCD Apple Cinema HD Display (1920 x 1200), Logitech Wave keyboard, Logitech MX Revolution cordless mouse
Wireless hardware: Mouse listed above, Time Capsule (AEBS) router, Slim Devices Transporter (modified by ModWright) and Squeezebox 2
Software music player(s): iTunes, VLC, Cog, SqueezeCenter for distribution
Music file format: FLAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Slim Devices Transporter & Squeezebox Remotes
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Spectron Musician III Signature Edition
Pre amplifier: N/A
External DAC: N/A
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Slim Devices Transporter & Squeezebox 2, both fed via a Time Capsule
Speakers in this system: SP Technology Timepiece 3.0s
Interconnect types between Mac and X: CAT 5 to router, (1) Stealth Audio Cables Indra between Transporter and Timepiece 3.0s, (2) generic ICs between Squeezebox 2 and Timepiece 2.0s
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Other room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? I guess the keyboard and mouse since they aren't Apple/Mac products. The speakers (Logitech 5.1 THX computer speakers) were added, too, but were purchased from Apple.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Don't know yet. :scratch:
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Though not Mac specific, being able to access all my music so quickly, and to have that music delivered so cleanly and accurately are what I enjoy most.
d. Other comments: VERY much looking forward to the day I can stream HD content (Blu-ray) from my computer to the plasma I'm expecting in June/July (Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-151FD)
Updated 5/18/08 to reflect addition of Time Capsule (replaced Belkin Pre-N router) and updated SP Technology speakers (upgraded from Timepiece 2.1 to 3.0)
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Dude! Again, I'd die for a Mac setup like that!
Curious, though. Isn't it time you upgraded your OS? aa
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Crim, he has Leopard, is there a different OS for Apple?
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Dude! Again, I'd die for a Mac setup like that!
What good would it do you when you're dead? :wink:
Thanks, though. If I can figure out how to keep it from freezing up, I'll be a very happy camper... again.
Curious, though. Isn't it time you upgraded your OS? aa
Thanks for the catch. I guess 1.5.2 was getting a little long in the tooth. :lol:
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Mac mini processor model: Book G4 800
Operating system version: 10.4.11
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 60 (network access to a dual 867 G4 tower with lots of disk)
Internal memory installed: 640 MB
Monitor/keyboard: built-in
Wireless hardware: Airport Extreme
Software music player(s): Tunes
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): diy RH84 SEP mono bloks, gain clones, SS transconductance amp (prototype), more
Pre amplifier: Aurex, NAD 1020, diy valve LS (or for critical listening none)
External DAC: Edirol UX25
Other component(s) in chain between mini and speakers: none
Speakers in this system: varies bit most often Fonkens
Interconnect types between mac and X: 25 ft USB, O'Netics interconnect
Location of the mac mini (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):
living room/listening room (or anywhere i want to take it)
dave
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: MacPro1,1 Dual-Core Intel Xeon 2Ghz
Operating system version: 10.5.2
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):2TB Internal 2TB External
Internal memory installed: 14 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 Mhz
Monitor/keyboard: Samsung 245BW/ Apple Pro
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s): Itunes, Bias Peak Pro
Music file format: AIF
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Remote Buddy using Nintendo Wii remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):
Pre amplifier: Musical Fidelity A3.2 Solid State Integrated
External DAC: Motu Ultralite
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Benchmark DAC1.
Speakers in this system:Athena F2, AKG 701 using Hagerman Castenet Tube Headphone AMP
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Cardas
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening Area
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? What I really like is the reliability of the MAC OS.
d. Other comments:
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Internal memory installed: 14 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 Mhz
Nice system, krb, but Jeez Louise... paranoid about RAM bottlenecks, are we? :o
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Internal memory installed: 14 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 Mhz
Nice system, krb, but Jeez Louise... paranoid about RAM bottlenecks, are we? :o
I saw that, too. Maybe there's an extraneous '1' before the '4' (similar to OS 1.5.2)? :D
Or, maybe not.
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Maybe there's an extraneous '1' before the '4' (similar to OS 1.5.2)? :D
C'mon, Crimson... what's a zero amongst friends. :wink:
BTW, I'll be setting up the TC this weekend, hopefully today. I'll post an update in the big thread after the switch is complete.
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Internal memory installed: 14 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 Mhz
Nice system, krb, but Jeez Louise... paranoid about RAM bottlenecks, are we? :o
I saw that, too. Maybe there's an extraneous '1' before the '4' (similar to OS 1.5.2)? :D
Or, maybe not.
Yeah, I sort of went overboard on the RAM. Every time I saw the DRAM prices drop last year Id' say to myself, well I still have an open memory slot that needs to be filled. I've never come close too needing it all however.
Take Care
Krb
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: iMAC and MacBook Pro standard memory on both
Operating system version: 10.5.2 on both
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): External Hard Drives 1 320gig LaCie and 1 500 gig LaCie on iMac.
Internal memory installed:2 gig on MacBook Pro, 1 gig on iMac
Monitor/keyboard: Standard with iMac and MacBook Pro
Wireless hardware: NetGear RangeMax Started with Windows systems and haven't needed to update to Apple wireless yet
Software music player(s): Slim Center linked to iTunes
Music file format: Apple lossless
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): None
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Rotel RB991 Solid State 300 watts into 4 ohm
Pre amplifier: Benchmark Dac1 Pre
External DAC: Benchmark Dac1 Pre
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Squeezebox 3
Speakers in this system: Magnepan 1.6QR, Audio Concepts Force Sub
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Wireless and MIT AVT1 interconnects, 75 ohm digital video cable from Squeeze box to Dac1 Pre
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): iMac is in upstairs bedroom, Macbook Pro on my lap in the living room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? nothing
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Nothing.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Operating system ease of use, no Windows headaches
d. Other comments:
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor:MACbook 2.16GHz intel duo core with Eizo Monitor
Operating system version:10.4
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):80gb internal (Firewire: 320gb for work files and 1TB for backing up)
Internal memory installed: 4gb
Monitor/keyboard: biggest wacom tablet + old keyboard
Wireless hardware:none
Software music player(s):iTunes for music, Divx, VLC and DVD player for movies and TV shows
Music file format: AIFF + MP3
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):none
Pre amplifier: none
External DAC: none
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Audio Philosophy CD1 player
Speakers in this system: AVI ADM9
Interconnect types between Mac and X: USB
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): In my office
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? I dunno.... maybe increase internal HD
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
being able to watch movies when I work and listen to music really load whenever I get bored at work
d. Other comments:the AVI monitors take away the hassle of all the crap in the audio chain that was clogging up my office and power board.
Ivan
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: G5, Dual 1.8Ghz
Operating system version: 10.4.11
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 2 x 500 GB, + 2 x 250GB on a Sonnet Jive internal mount
Internal memory installed: 2 GB DIMM
Monitor/keyboard: 23" LCD Apple Cinema HD Display (1920 x 1200), standard USB keyboard, standard mouse
Wireless hardware: 2 x Slim Devices Squeezebox 3
Software music player(s): iTunes, VLC, Cog, SqueezeCenter for distribution
Music file format: AIFF/WAV
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Squeezebox Remotes, one black one white
Amplifier, and type: Bel Canto s300iu, Outlaw RR2150 (both ss amps with gobs of power, needed for Maggies
Pre amplifier: N/A
External DAC: Channel Islands Audio VDA.2
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: 2 x Squeezebox 3, one with Bolder Elpac
Speakers in this system: a) Magnepan 2.5R true-ribbon planars, b) Magnepan MMG planars
Interconnect types: Paul Speltz anticables throughout; Blue Jeans coax from SB3 to CIA VDA2
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): other room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? additional internal disk mounting system
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? processor upgrade.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Synchronizing the Squeezeboxes for whole-house sound (parties).
d. Other comments: Also have powered monitors at the G5 for local audio; and both amps have built-in USB which allows connecting any computer into either stereo.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Mac Pro Dual Core 3.0 GHz
Operating system version: 10.5.2
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 4 x 500 GB, Internal, + 1 Gig Time Capsule, External
Internal memory installed: 8 GB DIMM
Monitor/keyboard: 30" LCD Apple Cinema HD Display (1920 x 1200), Wireless Bluetooth keyboard, Microsoft mouse
Wireless hardware: 1 GB Apple Time Capsule / Airport Extreme
Software music player(s): iTunes, VLC, Play (S Booth)
Music file format: Apple Lossless
Other method of control iPhone with Remote Buddy / MacBook Air Screen Capture Mode
Amplifier, and type: Odyssey Stratos Extreme Mono Amps driving Maggies
Pre amplifier: Parasound JC2
External DAC: PS Audio (Customized by Cullen Circuits)
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Just the PS Audio DAC
Speakers in this system: Magnepan 3.6QR true-ribbon planars
Interconnect types: Paul Speltz Anticables / TOSLink Optical
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening Area
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? DAC is custom from Cullen Circuits
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Nothing
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? The music.
d. Other comments: A secondary bookshelf system is being added to my office desk (at the location of the Mac Pro) This will be Epos speakers (already delivered) and NuForce Icon Amplifier (backordered).
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Mac Pro Dual Core 3.0 GHz
Operating system version: 10.5.2
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 4 x 500 GB, Internal, + 1 Gig Time Capsule, External
Internal memory installed: 8 GB DIMM
Monitor/keyboard: 30" LCD Apple Cinema HD Display (1920 x 1200), Wireless Bluetooth keyboard, Microsoft mouse
Wireless hardware: 1 GB Apple Time Capsule / Airport Extreme
Software music player(s): iTunes, VLC, Play (S Booth)
Music file format: Apple Lossless
Other method of control iPhone with Remote Buddy / MacBook Air Screen Capture Mode
Amplifier, and type: Odyssey Stratos Extreme Mono Amps driving Maggies
Pre amplifier: Parasound JC2
External DAC: PS Audio (Customized by Cullen Circuits)
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Just the PS Audio DAC
Speakers in this system: Magnepan 3.6QR true-ribbon planars
Interconnect types: Paul Speltz Anticables / TOSLink Optical
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening Area
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? DAC is custom from Cullen Circuits
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Nothing
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? The music.
d. Other comments: A secondary bookshelf system is being added to my office desk (at the location of the Mac Pro) This will be Epos speakers (already delivered) and NuForce Icon Amplifier (backordered).
Welcome!
Great setup, especially the speakers. :thumb:
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My Mac Audio System Description:24in i mac 7.1(newest one) behringer uca202 insignia book shelfs(about to be GR modded) harmon/kardon hk 3385 2.1 reciver(matches the mac perfectly)
Mac model and processor: 24in i mac 7.1 w/ 2.4ghz intel duo
Operating system version: leporad os x 10.5.2
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 350gb internal and 500gb external
Internal memory installed: 1gb going to add a 2gb stick soon
Monitor/keyboard: 24in imac w/ wired mac key board
Wireless hardware: microsoft lazer mouse 5000
Software music player(s): i tunes
Music file format: lossless
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): apple remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):
Pre amplifier:
External DAC: behringer uca202 usb audio interface
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system: insignia bookshelfs(soon to be GR modded)
Interconnect types between Mac and X: monster thx rca's stinger pro speaker wire
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): bed room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? the stabilty only froze up twice once durring the first boot up and again when i was running max programs w 1gb of ram while other window comps. froze often and would be boged down after a month
d. Other comments: putin a mac mini in my next car and replacing the i mac w/ a pro when i have the funds
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My Mac Audio System Description: All brand new within the last month
Mac model and processor: 24" iMac, 2.8GHz
Operating system version: Leopard 10.5.4
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 1TB internal. External pending
Internal memory installed: 4GB
Monitor/keyboard: Wired
Wireless hardware: Mighty Mouse
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: ALAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Stock remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): NuForce Icon
Pre amplifier: N/A
External DAC: NuForce Icon
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: N/A
Speakers in this system: NuForce S-1
Interconnect types between Mac and X: USB Cable
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Side room
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My Mac Audio System Description:
My set up is about as wireless as you can get. I use an Airport Express and an iPod Touch with the new Remote application to stream music from one of two Macs to a T-amp/external DAC combo. You can see photos of this small footprint hi-fi setup by going to www.audio-magus.com (http://www.audio-magus.com), logging into the discussion forum and clicking on my post in the System Showcase thread.
Mac model and processor: MacBook 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and an eMac (main music server)
Operating system version:10.54
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):120GB, 80GB
Internal memory installed: 4GB, 750MB
Monitor/keyboard:built in
Wireless hardware:Airport Express and Time Capsule
Software music player(s):iTunes 7.7.1
Music file format: Mix of Apple Lossless and AAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):iPod Touch with Remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):Trends TA-10.1 tripath amp
Pre amplifier:N/A
External DAC:Zhaolu D2.5C
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Airport Express and Time Capsule
Speakers in this system:Boston VR-M50 bookshelf speakers
Interconnect types between Mac and X: The Airport Express is connected to the DAC with a generic Toslink cable.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): other room
Additional comments:
Remote for iPod Touch and iPhone is a fantastic application. It allow you to command iTunes running on any computer on your network. No need to clutter up the room with a ton of equipment and stacks of CDs. Kicks the arse of any all-in-one iPod speaker dock out there (of course, that's not hard to do).
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See my signature line for critical elements of my set-up. Powerbook G4 running current version of iTunes (all Apple Lossless) and a couple of hard-drives as well.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Intel Imac 2.66 ghz Intel core2duo.
Operating system version: Leopard (latest iteration).
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): Internal 320gb, 2 500 gb external (system BU, Music & Time Machine).
Internal memory installed: 4gb.
Monitor/keyboard: Apple aluminum (wired).
Wireless hardware: Airport, bluetooth.
Software music player(s): iTunes & Squeezecenter (latest iterations of each).
Music file format: Apple Lossless.
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): N/A, other than remotes for Squeezebox and my preamp.
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Spectron Musician II for top end (50hz-20Khz); Homebrew Hypex UcD 400 for the bottom end (20hz-50hz). Both solid state, both stereo amps.
Pre amplifier: TacT 2.2x (with Maui-modded PS) doing room correction and crossovers. One DAC to the Spectron, one DAC to the Hypex.
External DAC: TacT.
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Squeezebox 3. Monster power conditioning. Sony DVP-9000 for CD's and SACD's.
Speakers in this system: Gallo 3.1's, bi-amped.
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Mac>ethernet>Squeezebox>glass toslink>TacT>Nordost BH>Spectron; TacT>Kimber Hero's>Hypex; Amps>AntiCables or Yardmaster homebrews>Gallo's.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): In listening room, iMac silent during music playing.
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Hypex amp, Maui-modded TacT PS, Yardmaster speaker cables, Venhaus power cables, Wellborne PS for Squeezebox.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? None, off the top of my head. Software DSP room correction on the Mac OS might be nice.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? The sound.
d. Other comments: Beats listening to an iPod.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: rev. A 17" Intel iMac, 2.0gHz white MacBook
Operating system version: 10.5.6
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):
Internal: 160GB (iMac)/ 500GB (MacBook);
External: about 1.5TB spread out over 3 FireWire drives for main music library and backup; 200GB 2.5" portable FireWire drive
Internal memory installed: 2.0GB (each)
Monitor/keyboard: (iMac) new USB aluminum keyboard, 24" Gateway 1900x1200 LCD spanned with stock 17" monitor; (MacBook) stock, unless it's plugged into my main system, in which case the second monitor is a Sony 46V3000 (46" 1080p LCD TV)
Wireless hardware: AirPort Express in living room
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: Apple Lossless, AAC160 (iPod)
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): just iTunes right now, would be interested in other options but never figured out the time
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):
Primary system (living room): Denon AVR-4306 receiver (LCR+surround), Crown XTi2000 (primary subwoofer), built in 500W plate amps (filler subwoofers)
Nearfield system (attached to iMac): [Pioneer Elite VSX-50 (LCR mains), Crown XTi2000 (subwoofer)
Pre amplifier: HeadRoom Total AirHead (portable use); M-Audio FireWire Solo (only used as mic preamp for measurement purposes); Velodyne SMS-1 subwoofer EQ in main system
External DAC: See "Amplifier...," supra.
Speakers in this system:
Primary System: Tannoy System 12 DMT II drivers in bespoke, sealed, semi-cylindrical, ultra-low-diffraction cabinets for L/C/R, Tannoy System 800 monitor drivers in bespoke sealed trapezoidal cabinets with bespoke crossovers for surround; Exodus Audio Maelstrom-X in bespoke sealed cabinet as primary subwoofer, 2x M-Design Eleganza Bella filler subwoofers with ports plugged. Subwoofer setup per Geddes, except that all three subwoofers on on the ground. (Mains are above the room centerline.)
Nearfield System: Tannoy System 8 NFM-II with ports plugged for L/R, Tannoy Saturn S8iw (same driver as S8NFM2) for C in bespoke sealed cabinet; JBL W15GTi in sealed cabinet/cat-scratching-post
Headphones: Sennheiser HD-580 open air, Denon AH-D2000 sealed, Etymotic Research for Altec Lansing im716 IEM, Sennheiser PMX-100 and Koss KSC-75 with KSC-35 earclips for portable use.
Interconnect types between Mac and X: In the nearfield system, some optical cable, probably from Parts Express or Monoprice. Don't remember, could not care less about it, or for that matter any "interconnect" or "speaker cable." They're just stupid wires, and people who care about wires are probably too deaf to know what real audible improvements sound like anyway. Link to primary system is wireless via AirPort Express.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): iMac in bedroom alcove, MacBook usually wherever I am
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Speaker cabinetry, room treatments; unless upgrading the RAM on both or swapping out the HDD on the MacBook counts
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? the Audyssey software suite (MultEQ XT + Dynamic EQ/Dynamic Volume); Comcast-compatible HD-DVR software
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Having tens of thousands of songs available at a click
d. Other comments: I love the fact that setting all of this stuff up required zero knowledge of computers.
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Thanks, though. If I can figure out how to keep it from freezing up, I'll be a very happy camper... again.
I though Mac's dont freez up, what do you mean?
Mr C
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My Mac Audio System Description: http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=983
Mac model and processor: iMac 2GHz Intel Core Duo
Operating system version: 10.4.11
Hard drive type: internal 240GB (external USB drive for backup)
Internal memory installed: 1.5 GB
Monitor/keyboard: 20" built-in monitor; standard keyboard
Wireless hardware: Apple remote
Software music player(s): iTunes and Songbird
Music file format: AIFF
Amplifier: Audio by Van Alstine Insight 440 stereo amplifier; 220 watts per channel into 8 ohms, solid state
Pre amplifier: Audio by Van Alstine Insight+ SL preamplifier
External DACs: Audio by Van Alstine Insight+ DAC (solid state); Audio by Van Alstine Transcendence 8+ DAC (tube)
Other component in chain between Mac and speakers: Inday DA4X-R Toslink to Coax converter and switch http://www.inday.com/da4x/da4x.htm
Speakers in this system: Salk Signature Sound Veracity HT2-TL http://www.salksound.com/speakers_veracity_ht2-tl.shtml
Interconnect types: monoprice toslink cable between iMac and Inday; Blue Jeans Cable digital coax cable between Inday and DAC; Blue Jeans Cable interconnects
Location of the Mac: desk in corner of listening room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Salk Signature Sound Veracity HT2-TL speakers; room treatments
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Digital coax output
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? convenience
d. Other comments: SQ using external DAC is pretty good
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Macbook Pro - last gen (before June 2009 changes.)
Operating system version: most recent leopard.
Hard drive type: Internal, 320gig 5400 rpms.
Internal memory installed: 4gig ram
Wireless hardware: Airport Express wireless g. (yep, time to get a newer one.)
Software music player(s): itunes
Music file format: itunes store purchases (mp4???) and AIFF for ripped cds.
Other method of control: currently an apple remote. soon to get a logitech harmony.
Amplifiers: Rotel RSP980 Pre/Pro set to two channel stereo with direct sub out, Rotel RB980BX 130 watt stereo power amp.
External DAC: 2008 Valab
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: just the aiport express.
Speakers in this system: GR Research AV2s.
Interconnect types between Mac and X: wireless, then toslink from AE to VALAB Dac, then nice RCAs to Rotel.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening area, portable.
Also provide comments on these:
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could: Lossless downloads from itunes store.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment: convenience, shuffle.
Other comments: Wouldn't mind adding some tubes at some point - either a tube preamp in place of the rotel, or tube buffer between pre and pro. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: MacBook Pro (Gen. 8, 13.3 in. screen, unibody), 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7.
Operating system version: Mac OS X 10.7.2 (Lion).
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 60GB OCZ Vertex SSD internal with 500GB external portable hard drive for music file storage, 500GB Time Capsule for wireless onsite backup and 500GB iomega eGo portable hard drive for offsite backup.
Internal memory installed: 8GB 1333 MHz DDR3.
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware: Apple iPad (32 GB) with Apple Remote app.
Software music player(s): Pure Music and Audirvana Plus.
Music file format: AIFF.
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type: Red Wine Audio Signature 70.2 monoblocks (LFP-V Edition).
Pre amplifier: Red Wine Audio Isabella with internal DAC (LFP-V Edition).
External DAC: None.
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Cardas Golden Cross inter-connects and speaker cables (bi-wired).
Speakers in this system: WLM Diva floorstanders.
Interconnect types between Mac and DAC: Locus Design Nucleus USB cable.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Listening area.
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Upgraded original hard drive from 500GB to 60GB OCZ Vertex solid state drive and internal memory from 4GB to 8GB.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Upgrade the iTunes music software to audiophile standards (i.e. Pure Music or Amarra standards).
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? All of it!
d. Other comments:
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: 17" iMac 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Operating system version: 10.6.4
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): LaCie 1TB Quadra stand alone via FW400
Internal memory installed: 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Monitor/keyboard: Standard
Wireless hardware: Apple Airport Extreme 802.11n
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: AIFF
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): iPod Touch Remote App
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Quad (active monitors)
Pre amplifier: Benchmark DAC1 USB
External DAC: Benchmark DAC1 USB
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system: Quad 12L Active
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Monoprice mini-Toslink to Toslink
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Home office
The simplicity of this setup pays off in spades IMO. It's as good/better than any HiFi setup I've had so far. Having every song in your collection at your fingertips has changed the way I listen to music.
Cheers!
Bill
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My Mac Audio System Description:
I finally have a Mac front end that is stable enuff to describe
Mac model and processor: 1st gen 20" iMac G5 1.8 GHz (no cost, but i had to buy & install replacement caps, bigger HD/RAM)
Operating system version: Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard).
Hard drive type, size and type : 1TB internal with 700 GB external Firewire backup
Internal memory installed: Maxed out at 2 GB
Monitor/keyboard: Apple aluminum wireless & magic mouse
Wireless hardware: Aitport Extreme (unused), Dlink USB to Bluetooth (looking to install Apple hardware inside)
Software music player(s): iTunes, Pure Vimyl
Music file format: AIFF.
Other method of control : none
Amplifier, and type: The original DynaMutt prototype (Dyna ST70 with Classic Valve front end)
Pre amplifier: Fornaco (diy CC dc coupled to CF with 6922)
External DAC: Edirol FA-66 Firewire
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: diy solid core 24g copper speaker cable.
Speakers in this system: varies a lot. Just moved the set of proto dMar-Ken7 (with Mark Audio Alpair 7) out and slid in the alphas of Frugel-Horn Mk3 (stock Fostex FE126En)
Interconnect types between Mac and DAC: Lgeneric 10' Firewire
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Next to TT.
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? rebuilt from dead
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Going to connect the video out to the TV so that i can see what i'm controlling from the couch. Add Apple Bluetooth hardware.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? :D
d. Other comments: It is wonderful to just set iTunes to random and float thru stuff i could never find before (7k songs & counting, and that is without getting an even larger vinyl collection sucked in)
dave
[/quote]
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Mac model and processor:13" Macbook Pro
Operating system version:OS X Snow Leopard
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):2.66 GHz SSD, Drobo 8 TB NAS
Internal memory installed:8GB
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s):Spatial w/Pure music
Music file format:AIFF, WAV
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):IPod touch
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):class d 254
Pre amplifier:
External DAC:Apogee Ensemble
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:Dodd Tube buffer w/6H30-DR
Speakers in this system:GR Research OB7
Interconnect types between Mac and X:Spatial firewire and 1/4" to RCAand soundsilver RCA
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):listening room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?Spatial system EQed for room.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?Ease of use and most detailed system I ever heard
d. Other comments:
[/quote]
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Hey everyone,
I have a PPC-G5 running Leopard ( 10.5.8 ), located in a room away from my speakers. All of my audio equipment is located in a room away from my speakers actually. When sitting in my listening room, I can use my MBPro or IPad to control the G5 through a VNC connection (gives me volume control, track control, etc.). OS X comes with a VNC viewer, and this viewer works great over LAN connections. If you're using a MBPro, you can also pay for the Apple Remote Desktop software which just absolutely rocks; you can control a 1080P machine remotely over a 3G-bandwidth connection with this software, but this is probably not necessary for most home listening setups.
My favorite configuration is using the IPad while sitting on my couch to control the G5 through a VNC connection.
-Clayton
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Snow Leopard comes with a usable version of Apple Remote Desktop built-in (screen sharing)
dave
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My Imac:Imac 24" running itune with Pure music software streaming 4TB of high res music file..24/96 bit digital signal via USB to Burson audio DAC and head phone amp , Deliver high end sound from Ferguson hill amp / speaker with external 10" subwoofer , or AKG 701 head phone :wink:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Sces7e7nPgU/TasAxCkXwzI/AAAAAAAABuU/CXeK4-yPJtk/s800/L1030906.JPG)
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: MacBook Pro 15" 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo
Operating system version: Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): internal 500GB with 4GB SSD hybrid drive
Internal memory installed: 8GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware: Apple Airport Extreme
Software music player(s): PureMusic
Music file format: Apple Lossless
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Class D Audio SDS-254 (250W x 2 into 4 ohm)
Pre amplifier: Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11
External DAC: Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system: DIY Modula MTM with Dayton Reference 7" mids and 1" silk tweeters
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Blue Jeans RCA Cables (Belden/Canare) and Monster Cable Standard THX Optical Cable
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): home office
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? hard drive
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Nothing. Pretty happy with it.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Using it to crank the tunes when I get home and taking it with me to law school (portability).
d. Other comments:
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor:20" iMac core 2 suo 2ghz
Operating system version:osx 10.6.8
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):Internal 250 gb
Internal memory installed:4 gb
Monitor/keyboard:builtin
Wireless hardware:airport
Software music player(s):itunes
Music file format:various
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):NAD C315BEE, Solid State integrated
Pre amplifier:none
External DAC:none
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:rotel surround preamp for optical dac only
Speakers in this system: Grapevine Audio GVA1
Interconnect types between Mac and X:none
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):listening room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?nothing
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? usb dac of sommensurate quality with speakers and Integrated amp
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? ease of use
d. Other comments: I am considering stepping back or forward to a G5 Power Mac to add truly hi fidelity in the audio and video areas
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Mac model and processor: Macbook Pro 1.3
Operating system version: Snow
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):
Internal memory installed: 6GB
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s): Decibel
Music file format:FLAC,AIFF
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Burmester911 MK3
Pre amplifier: Conert Fidelity CF-080
External DAC:Wadia GNSC S7i Statement
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system: Venture CR-8 Signature
Interconnect types between Mac and X: Patrick Cullen
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):Listening Room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Upgraded GB memory
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Its a Mac for heaven's sake!
d. Other comments:"Mac model and processor:
Operating system version:
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):
Internal memory installed:
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s):
Music file format:
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated):
Pre amplifier:
External DAC:
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system:
Interconnect types between Mac and X:
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
d. Other comments:"It is more about music enjoyment than about accurate reproduction"
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Mac model and processor: AppleTV v.1
Operating system version:
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID):
Internal memory installed:
Monitor/keyboard:
Wireless hardware:
Software music player(s): itunes
Music file format: lossless
Other method of control: apple remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Primare System
Pre amplifier: Primare system
External DAC: Dacmagic
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:
Speakers in this system: Opera Mezza Grand
Interconnect types between Mac and X:
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): bedroom
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: Dell Mini 10v (hackintoshed)
Operating system version: Mac OS X 10.6.3
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 160 GB internal, music is stored on a Lacie 2 TB NAS drive
Internal memory installed: 2 GB
Monitor/keyboard: standard
Wireless hardware: Airport Extreme
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: ALAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): iPhone and iPad
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Marantz SR-6005 AV Receiver (is the DAC/preamp/amp)
Pre amplifier: see above
External DAC: see above
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: ADS DAC which I am using as a USB to SPDIF converter
Speakers in this system: Boston Acoustics HD-9 or Advent Baby IIs
Interconnect types between Mac and X: USB and Toslink
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): in the listening area, makes no noise
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? It is not a Mac. :wink:
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? I like to be able stack stuff on it.
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? The receiver, the connection over wireless has issues whenever I have a power drop out.
d. Other comments: none
[/quote]
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My Mac Audio System Description: All brand new within the last month
Mac model and processor: 24" iMac, 2.8GHz
Operating system version: Leopard 10.5.4
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): 1TB internal. External pending
Internal memory installed: 4GB
Monitor/keyboard: Wired
Wireless hardware: Mighty Mouse
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: ALAC
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Stock remote
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): NuForce Icon
Pre amplifier: N/A
External DAC: NuForce Icon
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: N/A
Speakers in this system: NuForce S-1
Interconnect types between Mac and X: USB Cable
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Side room
Since your MAc is in side room and you connect via USB to the system, how do you do this?
thanks
T
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Mac model and processor: 2.4 GHz intel Core 2 Duo MacBook 5,1;
Operating system version:10.6.8
Hard drive type: 64gb internal SSD; Ext USB 649gb, 5400rpm hitachi laptop drive
Internal memory installed: 2X2gb
Monitor/keyboard: N/A
Wireless hardware: wifi internet connection
Software music player(s): Audirvana Plus
Music file format: AIFF
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc):Nil
Amplifier: Marantz Pearl Lite Integrated Amp
Pre amplifier:Nil
External DAC: Beresford BushMaster MK 2 , powered by a 12v, 6800ma LI-PO battery power pack, connected to a Musical Fidelity, V-Link II usb/coax converter.
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers:Nil
Speakers in this system: Richter Legend IV "Wizards" (ribbon tweeter) Australian brand 3 way floorstanders
Location of the Mac: Lounge Room
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? Upgraded to 4gb ram and put all my music on an external Hitachi 500gb 5400rpm harddrive, deleted as much of the OS irrelevant to audio that I can, followed most of the various tips provided on this forum for improving sound quality, the MB is now a dedicated music player.
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? Can't think of anything
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? The SQ is now about where I want it and the ease/speed of start up. Audirvana Plus taking control of itunes and battery powering the Beresford Bushmaster dac have had most impact to my ears. Adding the USB MF V-Link II as a change from the previous optical out has tightened the sound a little bit more particularly the bass, I feel.
d. Other comments: Just listening to music system puts a smile on my dial most days now. This may be frowned upon by many, but to my ears the best sound I have achieved is from setting itunes import setting at AIFF 16/48 and outputting at 24/96. Anyway I have all my library recorded like this and am happy with the results.
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My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: MacBook Air 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Operating system version: 10.8.3
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): Western Digital 2 TB RAID 1
Internal memory installed: 2 GB DDR3
Monitor/keyboard:NA
Wireless hardware: Internal
Software music player(s):iTunes
Music file format: Apple lossless
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): MacBook Pro.
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): VTL 450 MKII
Pre amplifier: Musical Fidelity 308cr
External DAC: CAL Alpha
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Mid line MIT cables
Speakers in this system: B&W 801 S3
Interconnect types between Mac and X: HagUSB converter.
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): Stereo only Man Cave
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
d. Other comments: I use the digital Equalizer program in iTunes to adjust frequencies to suite my room. When making the adjustments I used Final Vinyl as a starting point.
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My old Mac Mini audio system is post in the Mini thread. Since that post I've made a few changes to my over all stereo rig. Gone is the mini, replaced by a MacBook Air.
My Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: MacBook Air(2010) w/1.4GHz Processor
Operating system version: 10.8.4 (Snow Leopard)
Hard drive type: Western Digital MyBook 2Gig w/RAID1, USB
Internal memory installed: 2 Gig
Monitor/keyboard: Internal
Wireless hardware: NA
Software music player(s): iTunes
Music file format: Apple Lossless and a small amount of MP3
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): Screen Sharing to MacBook Pro, iPad or iPhone.
Amplifier: VTL 450MKII tube mono blocks
Pre amplifier: Musical Fidelity 308Cr Pre-Amp.
External DAC: Esoteric D-07
Speakers in this system: B&W 801 Series 3
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet):My system is located in a dedicated listen room. The dimensions are 11' X 20' and it's on the 2nd floor. I use 3/4” granite slabs under each speaker.
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? NA
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? I am pretty darn happy!
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ? Like many here I really like having quick and easy access to all my digital music.
d. Other comments: The resent addition of the Esoteric D-07 DAC is a huge improvement over my previous Musical Fidelity 21 DAC.
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My Mac Audio System Description: This is not my main music system, but more of a work solution for monitoring audio...
Mac model and processor: Mac Pro 12 core 2.66 Ghz
Operating system version: 10.6.8 and Mavericks on a dual boot (not a fan of Mavericks yet)
Hard drive type (internal only or external) size and type (stand alone or RAID): Internal drives 4 +4 +3 +1TB SATA drives and 240 GB SSD for boot drive
Internal memory installed: 24 Gigs
Monitor/keyboard: NEC Spectraview 27" and Wacom Intuos tablet
Wireless hardware: Apple airport extreme, apple TV
Software music player(s): iTunes, Logic Pro
Music file format: Aiff, AAC, FLAC (for external use with a portable player)
Other method of control (VNC, custom remotes, etc): n/a
Amplifier, and type (eg. Solid state mono block, SET, Tube integrated): Speakers are powered
Pre amplifier: built into my audio interface
External DAC: Focusrite Saffire LE
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: n/a
Speakers in this system: Neumann KN120 (powered) on metal stands 3/4 filled with sand, speakers sit on top of Herbie's square dots minis
Interconnect types between Mac and X: nothing special, mogami gold balanced XLRs
Location of the Mac (eg. in the listening area, other room, or closet): beside my desk
Also provide comments on these:
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system? SDD drive in sled located in 2nd CD bay
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)? more pci slots
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
d. Other comments: My system is overkill for audio only, but I am a video editor and graphic designer - I also do photography and mix audio as a hobby.
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hi
Here's my Mac Audio System Description:
Mac model and processor: mac book intel core 2 duo
Operating system version: 10.6.8 Snow Leopard
Hard drive: external USB 2 500 Go HDD
Internal memory installed: 4Go 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
Monitor/keyboard: Samsung 21.5"
Wireless hardware: None
Software music player(s): Amarra Symphony 3.0
Music file format: Aiff
Other method of control: sometimes VNC controlled by some other laptops
music is also loaded in the HDD thanks to the network
Amplifier, and type: Naim Nap 140 class B stereo amp with custom power cable made with:
Furutech Cu connectors/YARBO Double shield 3x4.80mm² cable
Pre amplifier: Naim Nac 32
External DAC: Focusrite scarlet 2i2 USB2 soundcard
Other component(s) in chain between Mac and speakers: Dirac Live Digital room correction software
Speakers in this system: 3A Auditorat Phase plus
Interconnect types between Mac and X: normal USB cable with ferrites
custom neutrik jack stereo(soundcard)/mogami cable/silver plated dyn4 (preamp) cable
Location of the Mac: in the listening area, on the top a old 70s hifi rack with the soundcard and the monitor
a. If applicable, what is custom in this Mac system?
nothing for the moment
b. What feature or function would you add to the Mac if you could (keeping the system within a similar price range)?
more ram but i'm at the max, a SDD drive connected to a firewire dock for the music
and for christmas a DAC like a Rega, Benchmark, Lavry, Prism (will come soon)
c. The part of your Mac system that gives YOU the most satisfaction/enjoyment ?
Amarra software + Itune library + Dirac room correction software is a great combo
d. Other comments:
I Love this setup but in summer the laptop is hot and a bit noisy so now it's on a coolermaster alu stand/cooler
(without the fans). I'm going to make a custom silent cooled without screen case so it will be very quiet and cool
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I'm using a Macbook Air M1 connected to a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 audio interface. The Macbook seems to work well for audio, I use it with Audirvana. My plan is to upgrade my audio interface to a Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre.