[czapp]

Hello all
I have decided to set up a Mac based system, and I have a few questions. I'm currently running my Macbook into my DAC via USB. All is working well, but I'm not sure I want to dedicate my Macbook to my system. Would a Mac mini as a server give me the same quality that I'm getting from my Macbook. If I connect the Mini to my DAC, is it possible to access it remotely? If it is, what are some of the hardware choices I could use to interface with the Mini.
Thanks in advance for any help
-Carl

[Mariusz]

I thought about it as well.
As to remote access, .... I am not sure.
It does work with Apple remote but you would still need a monitor of some sort. (for me, it is not really an option).
Another way (that is what I use with my Macbook) is to use iPod touch or iPhone and free app. from Apple. It will cost you around $180 tho for refurbished iTouch. It works great tho.
It might make sense to shop used on Craigslist or locally. I would guess that both can be found for under $500 that way.

Mariusz

[K Shep]

Mariusz nailed it.  The iPhone or iPod Touch are the hardware of choice to interface with your Mac.  If you are not familiar with the iPhone let me know I sent you a PM.  I own a Mac Mini and have an iOmega 1 TB external hard drive as my storage device.  I don't rip CDs or downloads to the computers hard drive, I rip them to the external.

Mariusz stated you need a monitor.  That is not always the case, some run a setup "headless" which means with out a monitor. 

What type of USB DAC are you using?

Kirk

[low.pfile]

czapp,

As mentioned the iphone/itouch "Remote" app works great for controlling iTunes. I used it and recommend it.

If you want to remotely control your entire mac Mini, this is possible using built in software called Screen Sharing. Therefore you can use you Macbook to control the mini music server.

[K Shep]

Hey low.pfile,

Question and statement; so if you would like to have your Mac Mini set up in another room and use it with out a monitor you would utilize the built in software on both machines?  So instead of holding an iTouch (iPhone or iPod) you would hold a laptop and it would talk to the Mac Mini in the other room?  You would access iTunes from the laptop and if you needed a monitor to manipulate the Mac Mini you would just plug the laptop in as a moitior.

Kirk

[low.pfile]

Hey low.pfile,

Question and statement; so if you would like to have your Mac Mini set up in another room and use it with out a monitor you would utilize the built in software on both machines?  So instead of holding an iTouch (iPhone or iPod) you would hold a laptop and it would talk to the Mac Mini in the other room?  You would access iTunes from the laptop and if you needed a monitor to manipulate the Mac Mini you would just plug the laptop in as a moitior.

Kirk

Kirk, essentially that's it. the mini is the server and the laptop is the client. I am sure that Crimson can give the more technical explanation.

I DO NOT have a Macmini, but I use a macbook using a VNC based app called Net tunes (shareware that predates the free Apple Screen Sharing app), but I plan to use Screen Sharing, once I upgrade...just keeping tabs on what's out there.

[K Shep]

I am familiar with Screen sharing.  I wanted our interaction to show czapp how it would work.  It sounds like his application question is similar to your current setup, except your are using a G5 if I am not mistaken. 

Kirk

[low.pfile]

I am familiar with Screen sharing.  I wanted our interaction to show czapp how it would work.  It sounds like his application question is similar to your current setup, except your are using a G5 if I am not mistaken. 

Kirk

Cool. Yep, that should get him where he needs to be... for iTunes playback Mac mini minus keyboard and monitor controlled by the macbook, pretty sure a couple of folks on here are doing this with a mini. But I'd suggest that for initially setting up system Mac mini using a connected keyboard and monitor--stick them on a shelf until needed again.

[czapp]

Thanks so much to all. I downloaded the remote app for my touch and it works perfectly.
Couple more questions: Do you find the Mini to be quiet enough to sit on your rack?
As far as external drives, is there a preferred connection (i.e. firewire), and what about the noise issue with the drives?
Thanks again for all of your help.
Carl