Mach2 Music - Provider of Modified MacMini Music Servers

ted_b · « **Reply #20 on:** 23 Nov 2010, 04:21 pm »

Darrell,
Wouldn't the no. 1 issue with fw vs USB hard drives be the bus on which the DAC is located? Meaning, if I'm using a firewire DAC (Weiss, Metric Halo, etc) then I'd want my external hd to be USB......and vice versa. It's one reason I bought the Oyen Digital USB/fw (with Oxford 934 chip) so I could have that flexibility as I demo'd various DACs.

dmccombs · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Nov 2010, 04:37 pm »

Ted,

Yes, that is a good point. While most people have USB DACs (thus the Firewire recommendation), so folks do have Firewire DACs. In that case, I think people would have to test Firewire vs USB.

Firewire is a more efficient buss than USB, so even if a person has a Firewire DAC, they MAY be better off with a Firewire enclosure. Fortunately, most Firewire enclosures also have USB inputs, so folks can do A/B tests and pick the best method for their setup.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

ZLS · « **Reply #22 on:** 7 Dec 2010, 11:52 pm »

I thought I would report my very first impressions of my Mach2Music modified MacMini.

Articulate

" having parts or distinct areas organized into a coherent or meaningful whole"

This is my first overwhelming impression; the Mach2 Music Mini is articulate.

The music played through my system using the modified Mini is easier to understand, and makes more sense.

I am awaiting the Mac Sandwich which I have no doubt will only emphasize the qualities I am hearing.

I will report when I insert the sandwich into my system.

jrebman · « **Reply #23 on:** 8 Dec 2010, 12:24 am »

Zack,

You've got one hell of a nice piece there. It only gets better, and while I don't have the sandwich yet (all in good time), the Pi Audio MPC power cord makes a very nice addition. Also, try to give the internal sound card a listen -- quite good for a built-in computer sound card. Also, no problem putting this guy right near your other gear -- it's quite silent and doesn't seem to interfere with dacs and power amps.

Enjoy,

Jim

jtwrace · « **Reply #24 on:** 8 Dec 2010, 12:41 am »

...and an UberBuss for other equipment.

ZLS · « **Reply #25 on:** 8 Dec 2010, 06:36 am »

Quote from: jrebman on 8 Dec 2010, 12:24 am

Zack,

You've got one hell of a nice piece there. It only gets better, and while I don't have the sandwich yet (all in good time), the Pi Audio MPC power cord makes a very nice addition. Also, try to give the internal sound card a listen -- quite good for a built-in computer sound card. Also, no problem putting this guy right near your other gear -- it's quite silent and doesn't seem to interfere with dacs and power amps.

Enjoy,

Jim

Thanks Jim.
It was your speaking so highly of it that had a great deal with influencing my decision to buy,

dmccombs · « **Reply #26 on:** 9 Dec 2010, 03:51 pm »

Zach,

The Mach2 Mac Mini is like any other front end in that it responds to different forms of isolation. Until you get hungry and get your MAcSandwich

, try setting you the Mach2 in various ways like you would a CD Player.

Also, place your external drive on something solid, and a little away from the Mach2. Surprisingly, this can make some sonic differences.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

ZLS · « **Reply #27 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 12:48 pm »

Quote from: dmccombs on 9 Dec 2010, 03:51 pm

Zach,

The Mach2 Mac Mini is like any other front end in that it responds to different forms of isolation. Until you get hungry and get your MAcSandwich , try setting you the Mach2 in various ways like you would a CD Player.

Also, place your external drive on something solid, and a little away from the Mach2. Surprisingly, this can make some sonic differences.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

Interesting that you should say that as I did exactly that. I took the outboard HD (purchased from you guys) and placed it free standing next to the Mini. Sure enough, the sound became both more defined and better focused.
I am truly enjoying my Mach2 Mini, and my appreciation for it grows every day.
Because of the aforementioned articulation that the Mach2 provides, I find my music much more expressive and involving.
And regarding the increased sound stage, it still freaks me out when the music extends beyond the outside boundaries of the speakers.
The intellectual side of my brain keeps saying that is not possible; the emotional side of my brain says just shut up listen and enjoy.
Thanks guys for a great product, and consider this a ringing endorsement.

dmccombs · « **Reply #28 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 08:05 pm »

Zach,

The MPC/Mini power cord that PI Audio Group makes for the MacMini is terrific. I can't wait for you to hear the MacSandwich. You are going to love it. I had my Mach2 up on spikes and it sounded pretty good, but the MacSandwich improves things nicely. Your in for a treat.

I'm glad the Mach2 is making you smile. We love to hear feedback like that.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

ZLS · « **Reply #29 on:** 27 Dec 2010, 05:07 pm »

Quote from: ZLS on 7 Dec 2010, 11:52 pm

I thought I would report my very first impressions of my Mach2Music modified MacMini.

Articulate

" having parts or distinct areas organized into a coherent or meaningful whole"

This is my first overwhelming impression; the Mach2 Music Mini is articulate.

The music played through my system using the modified Mini is easier to understand, and makes more sense.

I am awaiting the Mac Sandwich which I have no doubt will only emphasize the qualities I am hearing.

I will report when I insert the sandwich into my system.

I have put the MacSandwich into my system, and with all of your's indulgence, I would like to give my review of the Mach2Mini.
I stand by my use of the word articulation; the more I listen to my system, the more I realize how important that attribute is. It is a true pleasure to be able to listen to a song and gain a greater appreciation of the story that the artist is telling.
It is all the little things that were always there, but now, not only are they revealed, but are finally understood.
Case in point; Cannonball Adderley performing Mercy, Mercy, Mercy live. The song starts out with Cannonball introducing the song in what becomes a monologue. With the Mach2Mini. for the first time I realized that he is doing so in the exact same rhythm of the song itself, so when the music starts the transition is seamless. Then, the audience comments, especially when Joe Zawinul (the writer of the song) solos are just priceless. I get a real sense of a time and place, and am envious that I physically wasn't there, while at the same time truly appreciative that I can still enjoy the experience.
Least you think that the Mach2 Mini magic is limited to that one song, it is anything but. Blues, World, Rock, and even Classical all become a much more involving experience.
How does the Mach2 Music go about accomplishing this?
1. The lack of noise of the Mach2 Music allows a silence between the notes to be revealed. This silence allows the aforementioned detail to become apparent, but also and equally important, it allows the the impeccable timing of the musicians to be fully appreciated.
2. The increase in harmonic information that the Mach2 Mini somehow allows. The music is without a doubt deeper and richer. This occurred to such an extent that I actually had to retune my system (including tube rolling) so that I could take full advantage of this new found harmonic information.
Convinced that digitally reproduced audio must by definition be flat and thin sounding? Be prepared to be proven wrong; really wrong.
Perhaps Darrell can explain why this happens; all I know is that I enjoy that it does.

The effect of the MacSandwich? The word I would use here is Gravitas.

Gravitas (from Latin) is a quality of substance or depth of personality.

The Mach2 Mini is on it's own highly articulate. Used in conjunction with the MacSandwich this articulation is given both a deeper and more significant presentation. It takes the best Music Server I have ever used, and makes its strengths even more significant.
Is it necessary to purchase a MacSandwich in order for you to fall in love with the Mach2 Mini?
No, it is not. The Mach2 Mini is more than capable of standing on it's own. But I will promise you this, you will not regret for one second your purchase of the MacSandwich.

Summing up my feelings regarding the Mach2 Mini, I will reference back to that great Musician that I mentioned previously; Cannonball Adderley.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

Is It Good

jrebman · « **Reply #30 on:** 27 Dec 2010, 05:29 pm »

Zack,

Well said, and even though I don't have my McSandwich yet, I'll be ordering one very soon.

Sounds like there are even more good times ahead.

Yes, the promise of digital finally realized for those of us who have to live on a budget, and probably a whole lot of those who can afford anything, as well.

-- Jim

dBe · « **Reply #31 on:** 28 Dec 2010, 05:27 am »

Quote from: ZLS on 27 Dec 2010, 05:07 pm

The Mach2 Mini is on it's own highly articulate. Used in conjunction with the MacSandwich this articulation is given both a deeper and more significant presentation. It takes the best Music Server I have ever used, and makes its strengths even more significant.
Is it necessary to purchase a MacSandwich in order for you to fall in love with the Mach2 Mini?
No, it is not. The Mach2 Mini is more than capable of standing on it's own. But I will promise you this, you will not regret for one second your purchase of the MacSandwich.

Summing up my feelings regarding the Mach2 Mini, I will reference back to that great Musician that I mentioned previously; Cannonball Adderley.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

Is It Good

Since you used the word "sum" in one of its' many forms let me throw in my $0.02. It is the sum of all things - a great server, a great DAC and USB cable,the power cables, a bit of isolation - all through a good amp and speakers that moves me.

The combination of the Mach2, the Tranquility SE, the MPC/Mini+ and MPC/Source OneTD power cables through my Dodd gear and my interim speakers are very satisfying and a landmark in my audio experience. The synergy of all of these is very, very good. I can hardly wait to get my SuperV's online... if that ever happens

Someday I'll actually finish the kitchen........

Dave

jtwrace · « **Reply #32 on:** 28 Dec 2010, 12:21 pm »

Quote from: dBe on 28 Dec 2010, 05:27 am

Someday I'll actually finish the kitchen........

Dave

Glad I don't live with you...me and procrastinator's don't do well together.

dBe · « **Reply #33 on:** 28 Dec 2010, 03:46 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 28 Dec 2010, 12:21 pm

Glad I don't live with you...me and procrastinator's don't do well together.

It's actually about time available in a day moreso than procrastination. I'm a husband, father, grandfather, owner of a small business (working on new products takes a LOT of time), a cook, involved at church, and a home handiman... in that order. I spend about 4 hours a say doing business correspondance (in one form or another) and then 8-10 hours, 6 to 7 days a week producing my products and doing contract work for other companies.

If only I didn't have to sleep or go to interminable medical appointments I might get something done!

Dave

tasar · « **Reply #34 on:** 30 Dec 2010, 06:57 pm »

Dave......your insight into time being "man's worst enemy", is well taken. I'd like to take this time to address the quirks of setting up the Mini to a hard drive for playback. I've had some problem making things go using ITunes as the ripping route. More specifically, after directing the music to the drive from advanced settings, I've noticed files logging in Tunes on my Mini. I'm all "analog" over this stuff. Perhaps another thread would serve all the "fine detail" nuances well.

dmccombs · « **Reply #35 on:** 31 Dec 2010, 02:58 am »

BTW... We will be at CES/The Show from January 6th-9th.

Come see us in the following Rooms:
Stahl Tek - The Flamingo, Red Rock V
Jeff Rowland Design Group, The Venetian, Rooms 30-231, 35-204

dBe · « **Reply #36 on:** 31 Dec 2010, 03:34 am »

Quote from: dmccombs on 31 Dec 2010, 02:58 am

BTW... We will be at CES/The Show from January 6th-9th.

Come see us in the following Rooms:
Stahl Tek - The Flamingo, Red Rock V
Jeff Rowland Design Group, The Venetian, Rooms 30-231, 35-204

I wish I was going. It is great to watch people get drawn in... I know that I do

Dave

dBe · « **Reply #37 on:** 31 Dec 2010, 04:18 am »

Quote from: tasar on 30 Dec 2010, 06:57 pm

Dave......your insight into time being "man's worst enemy", is well taken. I'd like to take this time to address the quirks of setting up the Mini to a hard drive for playback. I've had some problem making things go using ITunes as the ripping route. More specifically, after directing the music to the drive from advanced settings, I've noticed files logging in Tunes on my Mini. I'm all "analog" over this stuff. Perhaps another thread would serve all the "fine detail" nuances well.

Hopefully there will be lots of insight posted in here. I don't want to, nor would I, hijack this thread. Maybe a cry for HELP!!! in the Discless Circle would be the best way to go about it. What do you think?

Dave

ZLS · « **Reply #38 on:** 31 Dec 2010, 05:20 am »

Quote from: tasar on 30 Dec 2010, 06:57 pm

Dave......your insight into time being "man's worst enemy", is well taken. I'd like to take this time to address the quirks of setting up the Mini to a hard drive for playback. I've had some problem making things go using ITunes as the ripping route. More specifically, after directing the music to the drive from advanced settings, I've noticed files logging in Tunes on my Mini. I'm all "analog" over this stuff. Perhaps another thread would serve all the "fine detail" nuances well.

Perhaps the problem is that if you turn your computer off along with the outboard HD, you must first make sure that you turn your HD back on first, and then the computer.
Then check the advanced setting to make sure it is set for your outboard HD.
If it just reads the internal mini HD you must change it over.
This I learned from painful and bitter experience!

ZLS · « **Reply #39 on:** 2 Jan 2011, 03:30 pm »

Darrell and Kevin,

A new version of Pure Music is out.
I know that you have included scripts of Pure Music because it sounds better that the older version.
Have you compared the new version?
From the chatter, it would seem that it is much easier to use which would be a big plus onto itself.
I will await your answer before I try to download it and screw everything up.
Thank You

BTW, still loving my Mach2 Mini to pieces!!