[dmccombs]

JT....had a look at that link. I see where you can eliminate(ignore) scripts for file sections eg. photos or Tunes, but don't see where you can have the backup ignore previously backed up files unless this is a default feature ? I had thought Darrel did NOT recommend Super Duper for our audio file backup. I do see SD would be best for OS HD backup, in which case you could have this operation "ignore" ITunes or AIFF files or whatever. All of this is probably super (uber) easy, but I find all these nuances to be daunting. Another tough one to grasp is, backing up your MAC HD along side your "music" files on the same external backup drive. If we want this "bootable" to make restoration easy, is it best to keep the audio "music" files on a separate drive ? Many many questions I'm not sure are appropriate for this thread, but drives do seem to be the "life blood" to our Mach2 Server !   

Taser,

  We recommend backing up the Mach2 Server to the drive we supplied with the unit.  SuperDuper is perfect for this.

  We recommend backing your music to a separate drive (not the one that backs up the Mach2 Server).  I personally use SuperDuper for this.  Other people use something that copies over just new files.  Either approach is fine for the music as long as Back-up software isnt running in the background while you are listening to music.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[tasar]

It's my understanding you backup the Mach2 operator onto the Mini drive that's removed. Are you suggesting we use this same drive to backup the Mini HD/OS from time to time ? If so, SD looks appropriate for this.

Could you elaborate if SD can be set to just copy over "new" files or what software is available to do so ? One can always turn these off, correct ?

[ted_b]

Darrell, I apologize if this has been brought up already (boy do i wish AC had a "search this topic" capability) but tell us Mach2Music's feeling about NAS's.  I'm getting ready to get a 6-8 TB NAS (gigabit ethernet) and wondered why Wayne, in this weekends shootout with the Alix.....(congrats by the way.... ) that he mentioned a NAS was not available as a storage option with the Mach2 scripts.  I gotta think even 24/192 files can handle 100mbit.

[dmccombs]

Ted,

   If I had known we were going to be in a shootout, I would have at least burned the Mach2 in a bit...       It sounds like folks had a good time and some things were learned.  That makes fo ra good day...

  Our scripts optimize the Music Player Software like iTunes and Amarra, so there is no problems there.

  NAS drives work fine with the Mach2, no problems at all.  If a customer wants to buy a NAS drive for external storage and hook it up to the Mach2, that's great...  We have some customers that have done that and it works great.  The Mach2 ships with the 1GB Ethernet enabled.   

   Mach2 just doesn't sell NAS drives.  This is because of the wide variety of NAS drives and everyone seems to want something different in their NAS setup.  We couldn't really stock NAS drives because of that, so we don't offer them.

  Also, in our tests, piping music in via ethernet (from another Mac, not a RAID) didn't sounds as good as via the Firewire 800 with a good sounding HD/enclosure.  In comparison, the ethernet sounded compressed and flat.

  I know others swear by ethernet so don't go strictly by my limited testing.  I would actually like to hear from others who have done A/B test between ethernet and firewire.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[ted_b]

  Also, in our tests, piping music in via ethernet (from another Mac, not a RAID) didn't sounds as good as via the Firewire 800 with a good sounding HD/enclosure.  In comparison, the ethernet sounded compressed and flat.

  I know others swear by ethernet so don't go strictly by my limited testing.  I would actually like to hear from others who have done A/B test between ethernet and firewire.

As would I!!  I am NOT going to go NAS if it means a degradation of sonics.  By that I mean, I'd use my NAS for archiving, etc but keep a local drive fed.  I'm disappointed by this news, but who knows, right?

[dmccombs]

Ted,

   Our testing was limited on the Ethernet input testing so don't cross it off your list yet...

Darrell
www.mach2music

[JDUBS]

I gotta think even 24/192 files can handle 100mbit.

Considering 100mb can handle a blu-ray stream with no issues, 24 /192 is VERY easy from a bandwidth perspective.

Jim

[tasar]

All NAS products I've tried have had compromises in quality, both mechanics and sound. Without a Bridge device, jitter(latency) returns IMO

[tasar]

It may have been mentioned, but to what extent should we do "Apple updates " to our Mach2 ? I see no real merit to update Safari or the OS, but certainly ITunes needs to keep pace. Is there a point of no return, considering the Mini has undergone mods ?

[dmccombs]

Taser,

  You can do the 10.6.x upgrades to OSX, but do not upgrade to 10.7 (Lion when it comes out later this year.

  You can upgrade iTunes, no problem.  Our script has no problem with this.

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[dmccombs]

Positive-Feedback.com reviewed our Mach2 Server and some of our great sounding accessories. 

Here is a link to the review:  http://positive-feedback.com/Issue54/mach2.htm

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[dmccombs]

If you are going to Axpona, stop by one of the 4 rooms we will be in.  We'd love to see you.

At Axpona we will be demoing the prototype of an exciting new accessory.  I can't give any details until the show except to say:

1) It sounds awesome.  OK, more than awesome.
2) Its a joint effort between PI Audio Group, Mach2 Music, and Most Beautiful Sound.
3) We'll have 3 prototypes at the show.
4) It's not a cable.

The rooms we will be in at Axpona are:
    2nd Floor - Savannah 3
    3rd Floor - Exhibit Room 317
    3rd Floor - Exhibit Room 364
    1st Floor - Table Display


Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[dmccombs]

We will be offering a Mach2 Axpona Show Special. 

The package includes:
- The MAch2 Music Server
- 240 GB External Dive for Music Storage
- Pure Music Player
- Upgrade to 8GB of Memory (Free)
- MBS Firewire Cable (Free)

We know everyone can't go to the show, but everyone can get the Mach2 Axpona Show Special (through April 30th).  Check out our website for more information.

http://www.mach2music.com/order/order.html

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[dmccombs]

I have time for just a quick update from Axpona.  We are in 3 rooms at Axpona and the show is going really well.  Our partners are fantastic and have put together some amazing rooms.  We also got to do some incredibly fun after hours demos.  Man these shows can be fun.   

Stereophile checked out the Da Vinci room that we are in and posted some of their thoughts on www.stereophile.com

Darrell
www.mach2music.com

[kayelefkay]

Is there any reason why there is no mod of the quad-core Mac Mini server? Does the quad core not provide any discernible audio benefits or is it because the OS is unsuitable?

[dmccombs]

Kay,

   We can hook you up.  If you email us at info@mach2music.com we can get you rolling.

Darrell
Mach2 Music

[Andre2]

Hi Darrel,

I emailed a question on the mach2 through the mach 2 music website.  Would you please take a look when you have the time?

Thanks,
Andre

[dmccombs]

Hi Andre,

   Kevin was a little backed up on emails due to the great response from RMAF.  I sse has now replied to your email.

Thanks,
Darrell

[fridays]

Can I upgrade iTunes with the Mach2 Music iTunes script installed, not sure what the script does but want the lastest release of iTunes