MAC Mini News. STOP THE PRESSES!!!

dmccombs · « **Reply #20 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 03:53 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 18 Oct 2010, 03:16 pm

The processes listed here http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Mac-OS-X-tweaks-decrease-overhead-music-server seem to work really well.

Those are a great start for those wanting to research, test and make their own mods. The Amarra website also has a good list of tweaks (similar to the ones you linked to). Our service is for those that don't have the time or desire to spend their time this way. Our mods take things a lot further too.

Our Mach2 MacMini's replaced two MacMini's at RMAF. One was a 2010 model with the mods you linked to, and a few more. Those that heard the A/B tests all agreed it wasn't even close. In both instances we were asked if our Mach2 MacMini could be used for the rest of the show.

We ended being in the GR Research/dB Audio Labs/Dodd Audio/Pi audio group room, and the GIK Acoustics/BPT, Empirical Audio/Salk room.

Some people enjoy researching and learning about how to mod things. They enjoy the testing, and the work involved doesn't seem like work at all. It can be great fun and of course, its free.

Others prefer to buy something that sounds great from the beginning and just enjoying the music. For those people we provide our service. We are just providing an option for folks.

Darrell

jtwrace · « **Reply #21 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:18 pm »

Quote from: dmccombs on 18 Oct 2010, 03:53 pm

Those are a great start for those wanting to research, test and make their own mods. The Amarra website also has a good list of tweaks (similar to the ones you linked to). Our service is for those that don't have the time or desire to spend their time this way. Our mods take things a lot further too.

Our Mach2 MacMini's replaced two MacMini's at RMAF. One was a 2010 model with the mods you linked to, and a few more. Those that heard the A/B tests all agreed it wasn't even close. In both instances we were asked if our Mach2 MacMini could be used for the rest of the show.

We ended being in the GR Research/dB Audio Labs/Dodd Audio/Pi audio group room, and the GIK Acoustics/BPT, Empirical Audio/Salk room.

Some people enjoy researching and learning about how to mod things. They enjoy the testing, and the work involved doesn't seem like work at all. It can be great fun and of course, its free.

Others prefer to buy something that sounds great from the beginning and just enjoying the music. For those people we provide our service. We are just providing an option for folks.

Darrell

That's all great but I still would like to know where $1495 goes. I would imagine that $1495 includes the price of a new mini. Right? You posted that if someone owns their own machine it costs $395. So where does the other $1100 go?

Mariusz · « **Reply #22 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:25 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 18 Oct 2010, 04:18 pm

That's all great but I still would like to know where $1495 goes. I would imagine that $1495 includes the price of a new mini. Right? You posted that if someone owns their own machine it costs $395. So where does the other $1100 go?

from mach2music website:

"We provide a new 2010 Unibody Mac Mini with a 40-GB Solid State Hard Drive and 4-GB of system memory. For Music storage, a 320GB external hard drive will be provided. For an additional cost this can upgraded to 500GB or 1TB. "

jtwrace · « **Reply #23 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:30 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 18 Oct 2010, 04:25 pm

from mach2music website:

"We provide a new 2010 Unibody Mac Mini with a 40-GB Solid State Hard Drive and 4-GB of system memory. For Music storage, a 320GB external hard drive will be provided. For an additional cost this can upgraded to 500GB or 1TB. "

$1100 is a lot of money if that's all that's done. I have a 120GB OCZ Vertex drive and 4GB and it was MUCH less then $1100. Oh well. It is what it is, guess I'll continue with what I have and stop asking questions that aren't going to be answered about why I should purchase this unit that PI Audio recommends.

srb · « **Reply #24 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:41 pm »

A 2010 Mac Mini (2.4GHz) with 4GB RAM and 320GB hard drive is $800. I don't know which 40GB SSD is installed, but there are eight sold by Newegg from $100 to $125. After the replacement, the stock 320GB drive can be installed into the external USB hard drive case. I also don't know which external USB case is provided, but the total cost of parts could be ~ $1000. An extra $100 or so for physical hardware install/swapping, reinstallation of OS and testing labor is not outlandish.

Steve

Mariusz · « **Reply #25 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:49 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 18 Oct 2010, 04:30 pm

$1100 is a lot of money if that's all that's done. I have a 120GB OCZ Vertex drive and 4GB and it was MUCH less then $1100. Oh well. It is what it is, guess I'll continue with what I have and stop asking questions that aren't going to be answered about why I should purchase this unit that PI Audio recommends.

it depends........ if you buy new Mac Mini ($699 + tax), add extra 2G memory ($100) add 40G SSD ($150) add external 350G HD = ?????? more or less the same.

It seems like their cost for Mac optimization (I wouldn't call it mods) is $395. To decide if it is worth it, will depend on your computer skills and understanding.

jtwrace · « **Reply #26 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 04:49 pm »

Quote from: srb on 18 Oct 2010, 04:41 pm

A 2010 Mac Mini (2.4GHz) with 4GB RAM and 320GB hard drive is $800. I don't know which 40GB SSD is installed, but there are eight sold by Newegg from $100 to $125. After the replacement, the stock 320GB drive can be installed into the external USB hard drive case. I also don't know which external USB case is provided, but the total cost of parts could be ~ $1000. An extra $100 or so for physical hardware install/swapping, reinstallation of OS and testing labor is not outlandish.

Steve

Ahh. I guess with the tittle of this thread and from the comments around this forum I thought there was more to it other then what I've been doing for the last couple of years.

dmccombs · « **Reply #27 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 05:02 pm »

Hardware wise you may have our mods. The others nailed the $1100 cost question perfectly. In short we spend $1020 for the hardware, tax, shipping and $80 to install the Solid State Drive. I tried getting free hardware from the Hardware Fairy, but...

Our software mods far exceed the ones you linked to previously, and we make it so people don't have to spend the time hunting down tweaks, testing them, etc. Obviously you have a tweaked system and aren't interested in on of our systems. That's 100% fine, but I have several orders to fill for folks that heard the Mach2 MacMini, loved it, and want one. I will focus on that, and the questions of potential customers.

Mach2 Music wants to supply MacMinis to those that hear about what we are doing, like it, and want a system. I have no desire to try to convert folks or argue with folks for any reason. Audio is supposed to be FUN, not a PITA

jtwrace · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 05:37 pm »

Quote from: dmccombs on 18 Oct 2010, 05:02 pm

Hardware wise you may have our mods. The others nailed the $1100 cost question perfectly. In short we spend $1020 for the hardware, tax, shipping and $80 to install the Solid State Drive. I tried getting free hardware from the Hardware Fairy, but...

Our software mods far exceed the ones you linked to previously, and we make it so people don't have to spend the time hunting down tweaks, testing them, etc. Obviously you have a tweaked system and aren't interested in on of our systems. That's 100% fine, but I have several orders to fill for folks that heard the Mach2 MacMini, loved it, and want one. I will focus on that, and the questions of potential customers.

Mach2 Music wants to supply MacMinis to those that hear about what we are doing, like it, and want a system. I have no desire to try to convert folks or argue with folks for any reason. Audio is supposed to be FUN, not a PITA

From someone who has spent thousands with PI Audio I'm surprised with your attitude. I've spent a bunch with Dave and have always recommended him to others on this forum. It's really a shame that you are tarnishing that...

This is not what I expected from someone who rolls with GR, Dodd and PI Audio.

jhm731 · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:06 pm »

Here's something else for MacMini folks to try:

http://sbooth.org/AyreWave/

dmccombs · « **Reply #30 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:12 pm »

Quote from: jhm731 on 18 Oct 2010, 06:06 pm

Here's something else for MacMini folks to try:

http://sbooth.org/AyreWave/

The current version of Play.app is terrific. This new 64-bit version looks promising. I can't wait to give this a test.

Thanks for posting the link.

Mariusz · « **Reply #31 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:15 pm »

Can it be controlled with ipod, iphone or ipad?
Can it run Amarra?
Do you guys stand behind your product - support/warranty/future upgrades?

Thanks

satfrat · « **Reply #32 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:19 pm »

Quote from: dmccombs on 18 Oct 2010, 05:02 pm

Hardware wise you may have our mods. The others nailed the $1100 cost question perfectly. In short we spend $1020 for the hardware, tax, shipping and $80 to install the Solid State Drive. I tried getting free hardware from the Hardware Fairy, but...

Our software mods far exceed the ones you linked to previously, and we make it so people don't have to spend the time hunting down tweaks, testing them, etc. Obviously you have a tweaked system and aren't interested in on of our systems. That's 100% fine, but I have several orders to fill for folks that heard the Mach2 MacMini, loved it, and want one. I will focus on that, and the questions of potential customers.

Mach2 Music wants to supply MacMinis to those that hear about what we are doing, like it, and want a system. I have no desire to try to convert folks or argue with folks for any reason. Audio is supposed to be FUN, not a PITA

I for 1 fully understand both your company's position and the reason for your frustration here. I'm sure there are many AC members who will appreciate what you're doing for them.

Cheers,
Robin

dBe · « **Reply #33 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:33 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 18 Oct 2010, 05:37 pm

From someone who has spent thousands with PI Audio I'm surprised with your attitude. I've spent a bunch with Dave and have always recommended him to others on this forum. It's really a shame that you are tarnishing that...

This is not what I expected from someone who rolls with GR, Dodd and PI Audio.

I really do think that distance and the inability to hear what Mach2 has done is somewhat coloring the conversation.

Darrell has written very specific software for the 2010 MAC Mini. It is not at all comparable with anything I have seen or heard in the mod department. The SQ far surpasses what I have heard on machines running all of the internet tweaks that I know of, hands down.

The price that they charge for their service and for full packages is quite reasonable in my estimation. $80.00 for installation of the SSD is less expensive than most computer specialists will charge a person here in Albuquerque.

I don't see any tarnishing going on here. Both of you guys are as direct as I am and that is a good thing, mostly.

Now, if Mach2 could only figure out how to not pay $699.00 for the Mini, THAT would be something.

Dave

Mariusz · « **Reply #34 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:35 pm »

Quote

Now, if Mach2 could only figure out how to not pay $699.00 for the Mini, THAT would be something.

Dave

dmccombs · « **Reply #35 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:38 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 18 Oct 2010, 06:15 pm

Can it be controlled with ipod, iphone or ipad?
Can it run Amarra?
Do you guys stand behind your product - support/warranty/future upgrades?

Thanks

Yes, you can use a ipod, iphone, ipad, another mac, or even a PC to control the Mach2 MacMini. With these options, you don't even need a monitor, mouse , or keyboard at the music rack.

You can absolutely run Amarra. The GIK Acoustics/BPT, Empirical Audio/Salk room at RMAF, used our Mach2 MacMini with Amarra.

In fact, we are becoming Amarra and Pure Music resellers (deal made at RMAF). You will be able to buy the Amarra and/or PureMusic directly from us. We will install and configure it for you at no additional charge.

We already have optimization scripts for Play.app, iTunes, Amarra, Pure Music, and Pandora. They got a good field test at the show.

The Apple warranty is still intact. They are fine with memory and upgrades. For the software, we but a back-up image on the hard drive we return to you. If you have problems we will try to talk you through debugging it. If we can't figure it out quickly over the phone, the back up will restore you to our Original state. It take 12-15 minutes in total.

Of course if you keep an itunes Library, you should make your own backup periodically...

Apple updates will work fine on our setup. If/when release the sucessor to Snow Leopard, there will be a fee for upgrades, as it will be a major overhaul of everything. We don't expect that anytime soon.

Darrell

dBe · « **Reply #36 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:40 pm »

Quote from: jhm731 on 18 Oct 2010, 06:06 pm

Here's something else for MacMini folks to try:

http://sbooth.org/AyreWave/

Yep. Steve Booth has written some great software that maximizes reproduction quality by minimizing CPU requirements. "Play" is still the best sounding of the bunch on one of the Mach2 modified machines. The equally popular Pure Music is less dynamic and a wee bit veiled in comparison. As AyreWave gets more exposure I think it might surpass the others. Who knows. This stuff is changing daily and is hard to keep a finger upon.

Always interesting to see and hear all of the new stuff, huh?

Dave

dmccombs · « **Reply #37 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 06:43 pm »

Quote from: satfrat on 18 Oct 2010, 06:19 pm

I for 1 fully understand both your company's position and the reason for your frustration here. I'm sure there are many AC members who will appreciate what you're doing for them.

Cheers,
Robin

Robin,

Thanks for your understanding. We really think we have a great sounding product and have priced the services as low as possible. I appreciate getting audio at reasonable prices and we hope to provide the same for the good folks here at AC.

Darrell

JLM · « **Reply #38 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 07:37 pm »

As a complete computer dummy I greatly appreciate what mach2music offer.

While $3,300 for a SOTA full digital front end (optimized Mini, Tranquility DAC, cable, iPod, 1 TB HD) is amazing, unfortunately its just too rich for my blood.

And I can't imagine even getting close to this level of playback or features any other way.

dmccombs · « **Reply #39 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 08:11 pm »

Quote from: JLM on 18 Oct 2010, 07:37 pm

As a complete computer dummy I greatly appreciate what mach2music offer.

While $3,300 for a SOTA full digital front end (optimized Mini, Tranquility DAC, cable, iPod, 1 TB HD) is amazing, unfortunately its just too rich for my blood.

And I can't imagine even getting close to this level of playback or features any other way.

JLM,

You could go with the stock MacMini without the Mach2 hardware and software upgrades. That would save you about $750, making the price closer to $2,500. It would be a very nice setup and the folks here on AC could provide you with some good tweaks. The stock MacMini / Tranquility DAC is excellent.

Later, when you can save up the other funds Mach2 Music would be happy to take you to the next level.

Really, if you can swing the $2500, get the stock MAcMini and Tranquility DAC. Its ROCKS!!!

Darrell