[HAITIMAN]

Hi: I am a recent convert to Apple products and I now own a Macbook Air (Xmas present from the wife!) along with a iPod Touch 4th gen. Currently I am using a Squeezebox Touch with a Windows based laptop, wireless through the home network and using the Toslink connection on the Touch to connect to a DAC.

I would like to make the transition to an all Apple transport, beginning with a Mac mini and external firewire storage. However, I am uncertain how to best connect the Mac mini to the DAC. I plan on buying a w4sound Dac 1.

I was always under the impression that the Mac mini had an optical out, but I don't see that on the spec sheet for the product. So, aside from USB to DAC, is there another method? Or should I stay with the wireless link to the Squeezebox Touch and then digital out to the w4sound DAC? and still use the Mac mini as transport.

Also, can I control the Mac mini wirelessly with the Macbook Air? For music selection and playback, (assuming I take the SQbox out of the system).

[srb]

I was always under the impression that the Mac mini had an optical out, but I don't see that on the spec sheet for the product. So, aside from USB to DAC, is there another method?

The Mac Mini has an audio output that is a dual-purpose jack that can accept a 1/8" stereo mini-plug (analog connection) OR a Mini-Toslink optical connector (digital connection).
 
The Wyred4Sound DAC-1 can accept up to 24-bit/96KHz through USB.  Most optical digital connections are reliable up to 24-bit/96KHz, but may or may not work reliably up to 24-bit/192KHz.  In your case I would probably try both connections and see which one you prefer.
 
Steve
 
 

[HAITIMAN]

Interesting. I wasn't aware of that!

Thanks.

[Atlplasma]

You may also want to investigate getting an M2Tech HiFace for outputting USB on the mini. There is some discussion about it on this site. Some of us also use Pure Music for playback as an alternative to iTunes (better sound at a reasonable cost).

[toxteth ogrady]

Also, can I control the Mac mini wirelessly with the Macbook Air? For music selection and playback, (assuming I take the SQbox out of the system).

I'm assuming you'd like to run the mini as a 'headless' music server. Yes, you can operate the mini from your laptop. Open system preferences and click the sharing folder on the mini. Enable 'apple remote desktop' and download a program called Chicken of the VNC. This program will allow you to control all of the necessary functions of your mini on your MacBook air.

[Atlplasma]

I believe you can also use screen sharing without installing a vnc application.

[toxteth ogrady]

Yep, Atlplasma is right. Screen sharing became standard with the introduction of Leopard. I'm stuck in the past using Tiger.

[HAITIMAN]

You may also want to investigate getting an M2Tech HiFace for outputting USB on the mini. There is some discussion about it on this site. Some of us also use Pure Music for playback as an alternative to iTunes (better sound at a reasonable cost).

Great. I will look further into this.

Thanks for the help.

[Atlplasma]

You can also use Remote but shared desktop gives you full access to a headless Mini.

[baumer]

If it were me, I'd hook the Mini up to the DAC-1 via USB and use something like an Oyen Digital FW800 portable HD. Then use your ipod Touch as the remote control for iTunes, Pure Music, Amarra, etc...

[wilsynet]

+1

[HAITIMAN]

If it were me, I'd hook the Mini up to the DAC-1 via USB and use something like an Oyen Digital FW800 portable HD. Then use your ipod Touch as the remote control for iTunes, Pure Music, Amarra, etc...

I think you hit it. I have looked at those Oyen drives, particularly the SSD. Too bad it is only 256 gig. I was kind of wondering what people here think about a USB connection to the DAC. Is it really the best way to go? Will I need to invest a lot in the cable?

[Atlplasma]

USB over a Hiface supports up to 192/24 (with an appropriate music player). An inexpensive monoprice cable with do just fine.