[rpf]

So, I'm going to buy a Mini for audio use only and don't know whether to buy the new one or the previous model (still available online at some re-sellers) with the external power supply. Either one will have 4GB of RAM and external drives for music storage.

Any thoughts?

[Bigfish]

So, I'm going to buy a Mini for audio use only and don't know whether to buy the new one or the previous model (still available online at some re-sellers) with the external power supply. Either one will have 4GB of RAM and external drives for music storage.

Any thoughts?

Do you need the HDMI Port?  If not it is a no brainer - purchase the previous model with the external power supply.  The previous unit will likely be less expensive and you know that the external power supply is not an issue for noise concerns.  I have the previous model and I installed a SS Drive because I wanted it as a music server.  Excellent performance!

Ken

[rpf]

Thanks, Ken.

No, I don't need an HDMI port. Interestingly, the new Mini supposedly uses significantly less power than the previous model. According to PC Review (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2365157,00.asp), 1/2 at idle and 20% less at operating test levels. I don't know if that makes up for having the PS mounted internally but the new Mini is also supposedly quieter than the old at 14db. I also don't know if the older PS is better for being larger?

Unfortunately, I haven't found the previous model discounted anywhere yet. In fact every place I've seen it, has it higher than list (albeit, usu. with a larger hard drive - which I don't need).

[Bigfish]

When I received my Mini I turned it on to determine if it worked but quickly turned it back off and began the operation to remove the old hard drive.  It honestly did not run long enough with the stock hard drive for me to notice if it was noisy or not.  The solid state drive I installed is dead quiet and is suppose to pull much less power than the stock drive it replaced.  Mine is what I would call a "lean, mean, music server, machine."

I purchased the Mac Mini because I decided on the Tranquility USB DAC and Eric Hider of db Audio Labs recommended the Mini as the best choice for a music server.  Eric told me if you are basically planning to use a Mini as a dedicated music server you do not need the most powerful, latest edition of the Mini.  He recommended a Mini with Snow Leopard Operating System and to replace the stock drive with a SS drive. 

If your intentions are to use the Mini as a dedicated music server and maybe browse the net I would recommend you purchase a used machine on Ebay.  Replace the hard drive with a SS drive and while replacing the hard drive bring the machine up to 4 gb of ram if it does not come equipped that way.  There really is no need to spend maybe $1000.00 on a fully equipped brand-new Mini unless you want to and note it will still have a stock drive!  4gb of Ram is available on-line for less than $100.00 and a SS Hard Drive is around $125 or so depending on size. 

Go luck on your decision and no matter which way you go I am certain you will be happy with the Mini.

Ken

[kenreau]

When I received my Mini I turned it on to determine if it worked but quickly turned it back off and began the operation to remove the old hard drive.  It honestly did not run long enough with the stock hard drive for me to notice if it was noisy or not.  The solid state drive I installed is dead quiet and is suppose to pull much less power than the stock drive it replaced.  Mine is what I would call a "lean, mean, music server, machine."

I purchased the Mac Mini because I decided on the Tranquility USB DAC and Eric Hider of db Audio Labs recommended the Mini as the best choice for a music server.  Eric told me if you are basically planning to use a Mini as a dedicated music server you do not need the most powerful, latest edition of the Mini.  He recommended a Mini with Snow Leopard Operating System and to replace the stock drive with a SS drive. 

If your intentions are to use the Mini as a dedicated music server and maybe browse the net I would recommend you purchase a used machine on Ebay.  Replace the hard drive with a SS drive and while replacing the hard drive bring the machine up to 4 gb of ram if it does not come equipped that way.  There really is no need to spend maybe $1000.00 on a fully equipped brand-new Mini unless you want to and note it will still have a stock drive!  4gb of Ram is available on-line for less than $100.00 and a SS Hard Drive is around $125 or so depending on size. 

Go luck on your decision and no matter which way you go I am certain you will be happy with the Mini.

Ken

Fwiw, that's the path I am on as well.  Installed an Intel SSD, 4 GB ram and external PS.  I plan to look into a nice lab grade, or Paul Hynes linear PS eventually.  I don't like the idea of the new mac mini internal PS.

I would also suggest getting at least a 2008/2009 model with the Intel core 2 duo processors.  Don't forget to search Craigs List for mac mini's.  I had much better luck on CL than ebay.  Ebay seemed to be bid up to almost the price of buying new.  With this new mac mini model out now, you should see a few more 2-3 year old units become available.  I've bought 2 in the past months from $400 to $500 depending on what they had built in and included.

Kenreau

[srb]

Eric told me if you are basically planning to use a Mini as a dedicated music server you do not need the most powerful, latest edition of the Mini.  He recommended a Mini with Snow Leopard Operating System and to replace the stock drive with a SS drive. 

If you are going to use it only as a music server and not multitask, you don't need 4GB of memory.  More memory never hurts, but if you are on a budget.....
 
Steve

[Toka]

I'd be interested in reading the results of some testing of the new Mini...the new PSU may very well end up being a non-factor.

[srb]

I'd be interested in reading the results of some testing of the new Mini...the new PSU may very well end up being a non-factor.

Me too.  I do like that it is quieter and more energy efficient.
 
Steve