[dmccombs]

Well, Apple released it's new 2011 Mac Mini this morning, and tonight we are making our 2011 Mach2 Music Server available.

The new Mach2 Server utilizes the new 2011 Mac Mini of course.  New features for the Mach2 include:
- Apple now uses the 2.5 Core i5 processor
- The Graphics card is now the very good AMD Radeon HD 6630M
- Apple included a Thunderbolt port which may eventually allow great transfer speeds to external devices.
- We now include a 60 GB SSD ultra fast Sata III drive instead of a 40GB SSD Sata II.
- We now include 8 GB or Memory instead of 4 GB.


We are thrilled with the sound of the new 2011 Mach2 Music Server.  We are hearing more detail and separation between the instruments.  The sound has more richness.

The current setup is based on Snow Leopard.  At this time we feel it sounds better than Lion OSX, and for a Music Server, what matters more?

If you want more info on the new and improved Mach2 Music server, please visit us at:
www.mach2music.com

Thanks,
Darrell

08/01/2011: Edited Specs to reflect the mid level model.

[arthur]

So you guys find the i7 models to be overkill for a music server?

Do you think that the Intel HD Graphics 3000 card on this model will be up to par for future HD music/video streaming?

[MaxCast]

price please.

[dmccombs]

So you guys find the i7 models to be overkill for a music server?

Do you think that the Intel HD Graphics 3000 card on this model will be up to par for future HD music/video streaming?

Arthur,

  We think the i7 is a little overkill, and we dont think there will be much demand, and they will probably be harder to aquire than the other models.  So we wont try to stock or sell them.

  If someome really wants that model, THey can aquire it and send it us.  We can do the upgrade for them.   

  I think the graphics card will be fine for 1080p output.  Its nowhere near the 1560x2500 max resolution.

Regards,
Darrell
Www.mach2music.com

[dmccombs]

price please.

Max,

   Its the same great price of $1,495.00

   More pricing info can be found here: http://www.mach2music.com/order/order.html

Darrell,
www.mach2music.com

[Tubeburner]

Hi Darrell,
What do you suggest to use for an optical drive since Apple removed the optical drive? One good thing is that the optical drive could be in another room so one would not hear it operating while burning a cd.

Thanks!

[dmccombs]

Hi Darrell,
What do you suggest to use for an optical drive since Apple removed the optical drive? One good thing is that the optical drive could be in another room so one would not hear it operating while burning a cd.

Thanks!

There are a few solutions:

1)  If you have another PC or Mac set up for ripping, you can use that, then transfer ripped files over to your Music Server Library.  With this you end up with two copies (backup).  This is what I will be doing.

2)  You can Share a CD burner on another MAc or PC so your Music Server can use it for ripping to your Music Server (this is similar to #1).

3)  You can buy a USB CD ripper.  I would detach the unit when not ripping though to avoid USB port contention though.  Plextor makes excellent CD burners.  The Plextor Model PX-610U looks like it would do a good job.  Since I dont use this method, I havent used this drive, but if I were to buy one, this is what I would get.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[JLM]

But the new mini doesn't have a slot to read/write onto my silver discs???   And I don't have/want another computer for ripping. 

[dmccombs]

So Option #3 would be best for you, or buy a 2010 model that has the CD/DVD built in.  So many choices...   

[dmccombs]

All,

  We decided to offer the mid level Mac Mini this time around.  It has the faster 2.5 i5 processor and a much better video card for those that watch movies on their Mac.  The new Mach2 Music server price is now $1649, and the improvement is quite noticeable.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[gprro]

So have you had enough time with the 2011 to say it's definitely better than the 2010 all around? Any case where you would want the 2010 other than haveing the disc drive?

Thanks,
Giyan

[dmccombs]

Giyan,

  The 2011 Mac Mini is clearly better hardware.  When you compare a 2010 Mac Mini and 2011 mini running the same setup, the 2011 will be a clear winner.

  For DIY folks the problem will be that the 2011 minis come with OSX Lion and so far, Lion doesn't sound nearly as good as Snow Leopard.  So the best sounding solution is a 2011 mini running Snow Leopard.  This is waht we are offering for our 2011 Mach2 Music Server, a 2011 Mac Mini, running our optimized Snow Leopard setup.

  Some folks that want a built in CD/DVD or that would like to save a few $$$ may opt for the 2010 Mach2.  Its a great sounding front end at a very good price (while supply's last).

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[gprro]

Hi,

Had a few hundred in gift cards at best buy, and put a 2011 on hold for the tax free weekend. Good to hear it's the way to go. My dac guy did say iTunes sounded better on lion, because of the true 64 bit maybe? If I can save a few more pennies I'll send it over for your software tweaks. I do have an 09 mini as well, might see if I can get the mac store to load leopard on the new one.

Thanks!

[dmccombs]

LOL, good luck getting Apple to load Snow Leopard on a 2011 Mac Mini.  When I asked them about it, they gave me a blank look, then eventually asked why I wanted to "downgrade the OS".

I asked them which OS was faster.  They said Leopard.  I asked them which OS had less bugs as of today, and they said Leopard.  So then I asked which OS was the downgrade.   

Although they saw my point, they said Apple does not help with OS "downgrades".  It doesn't hurt to ask though.   

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[gprro]

Haha, good to know  . I have a mac tech guy that I'll could try with too.

Thanks,
Giyan

[gprro]

Hi Darrell,

Couple more questions. I realize some may still be a wait and see type thing as the 2011 's are still pretty new, but figured I'd ask. How about battery power for the 2011's, and any more thoughts or progress with getting lion to be as good.

If I can send you my 2011 for the software tweaks, will that include switching to leopard, or how much extra if possible. I think I have an idea how to do it just don't know how easy it will be to track down the discs.

Thanks again,
Giyan