[ebag4]

I am ignorant when it comes to Macs but after reading all of the positive reports on their use for audio playback I am looking at a Mac Mini.

My question is can a Mac Mini read FLAC files from a PC drive over the network?  Also, I currently use an old 1.6G Pentium PC (XP Pro)to run Squeezecenter, would a Mac Mini be an improvement?  I use a Bolder analog modded SB3.

Thanks,
Ed

[Crimson]

I am ignorant when it comes to Macs but after reading all of the positive reports on their use for audio playback I am looking at a Mac Mini.

My question is can a Mac Mini read FLAC files from a PC drive over the network?  Also, I currently use an old 1.6G Pentium PC (XP Pro)to run Squeezecenter, would a Mac Mini be an improvement?  I use a Bolder analog modded SB3.

Thanks,
Ed

I regularly access files from a WinXP drive over my home network (using iMacs and a MacBook). No issues there. As far as Squeezecenter is concerned, the Mini may only offer a benefit in terms of having a faster processor, more RAM, etc., which may not necessarily translate in to better sonics, especially if the files are accessed from a remote PC drive. If you were to go the Mini route, I'd suggest moving your media files to a more accessible drive, either a network drive or an external attached to the Mini.

[ebag4]

Thanks for the feedback Crimson.  I am also considering moving away from the SB3 platform and going with a USB DAC.  With regard to playback using a USB DAC do you fel the MAC is superior to a PC using the same DAC.

Thanks again,
Ed

[Crimson]

Thanks for the feedback Crimson.  I am also considering moving away from the SB3 platform and going with a USB DAC.  With regard to playback using a USB DAC do you fel the MAC is superior to a PC using the same DAC.

Thanks again,
Ed

Do you want an unbiased answer regarding Mac v PC? I may not be the best person to ask. 

Yes, I prefer Macs to PCs for audio (or any media for that matter). One thing to consider: whereas iTunes does not support FLAC files without an added plug-in (Fluke, with which I have no experience), there are other media players available that do support it. The problem is that none offer the library management functionality, distribution, or UI that iTunes does, IMO. You may want to think through your options, especially considering that your library is all FLAC.

[ebag4]

Thanks again Crimson, and yes, I realize that sound is always subjective and that you may be just a bit biased  .

I am in the process of evaluating the various options and I have just started to consider a Mac.   I appreciate your insight and candor.

Best,
Ed