MacBook Air recommendations

srb · « **Reply #20 on:** 7 Oct 2011, 07:36 pm »

Quote from: konut on 7 Oct 2011, 06:54 pm

Thanks! You think they would work under VMWare and Win7?

That's a good question, I'm afraid I don't know.

Steve

Levi · « **Reply #21 on:** 8 Oct 2011, 12:45 am »

All points taken specially the memory recommendations.

Thanks again folks!

rab1234 · « **Reply #22 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 04:54 am »

I have a MacBook Air, the small one 2011 just before they came out with the back lit keyboard. I'm enjoying it alot. Using the Thunderbolt looking output on the right (looking at screen) I purchased from Mac the adapter to HDMI. With the HDMI to my TV and USB output (also on the right) to my (EE) dac is great for listening and watching concert feeds, etc. I have read that the right side USB port is best for audio and the left side USB port is best for data (burning CD's, etc.) but it's hard for me to tell the difference and both are 2.0? The paid version of Pandora for radio is clearly better and its a handy way to find music you my not be aware of. I have downloaded Amadeus Pro (which is really a audio editor) to play back FLAC files and to me almost sounds the best (its hard for me to compare at that level ) and you can stack files to make sorta play lists, VLC I think plays all formats, playlists and is free plus sounds great also. Lastly I'm almost ready to purchase Pure Music (you need something like sbooth.org/max to convert FLAC files)/ works with iTunes. I am getting better at audio setup functions and shutting down non audio functions (see The Audio Optimization Guide for Apple OS X - Snow Leopard.pdf). There are I would say too much info on the net, but alot are very helpful. One I found most helpful is the information Q and A's on the Pure Music web site. I still think the sound from a vinyl record is best IMO. And I completely enjoy my CD's and SACD's. I like it all. Still trying to get better at getting album cover art where I want it. Have fun, hope I gave someone helpful info.

Levi · « **Reply #23 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 12:55 pm »

Thanks rab. Do you have the link to "The Audio Optimization Guide for Apple OSX - Snow Leopard.pdf"?

That would be truly helpful.

rab1234 · « **Reply #24 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 02:17 pm »

Levi

I actually found it here under Industrial Ads posted by ultrafi. The link does not seem to be working now, but if you can't get it I made a copy and I'll post it (if I can) to you later today.

Levi · « **Reply #25 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 02:30 pm »

Sounds like a Plan. If it is not copy protected, we can suggest to have it stickied for everyone as a guide.

JohnR · « **Reply #26 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 02:31 pm »

http://web.me.com/casolutions/Computer_Audio_Solutions/miniplat2_files/Optimization%20Guide%20for%20Apple%20OS%20X.pdf

rab1234 · « **Reply #27 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 02:39 pm »

That would be it. Thanks John. Any other good guides out there in particular to maintaining cover art with multipule software. Or anything on that subject I seem to be having a heck of a time and I'm sure its just my lack of knowledge (my first Mac).

Thanks

Levi · « **Reply #28 on:** 11 Oct 2011, 02:40 pm »

+1

Thank you!

pardales · « **Reply #29 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 03:15 am »

Anyone using an Air as a music server -- feeding a DAC?

Crimson · « **Reply #30 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 05:52 am »

Quote from: pardales on 10 Nov 2011, 03:15 am

Anyone using an Air as a music server -- feeding a DAC?

Pick me! Pick me!

Yes, currently using an 11" MBA as a server.

USB side of things is good, but it has no FireWire. Therefore, USB dacs sound great. Not so much for the FireWire variety.

pardales · « **Reply #31 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:10 pm »

Quote from: Crimson on 10 Nov 2011, 05:52 am

Pick me! Pick me!

Yes, currently using an 11" MBA as a server.

USB side of things is good, but it has no FireWire. Therefore, USB dacs sound great. Not so much for the FireWire variety.

Right. No Firewire. So USB out to a DAC and one more USB port for a USB hard drive. I know there is optical out as well. I have heard some suggest that if using USB out to a DAC it is best to use a Firewire hard-drive (and vice-versa). Not sure if there is anything to that but that is not possible on the Air.

So, Crimson, can you compare the performance of the Air as a server to anything else (Mini, macbook pro, etc., etc.)?

jtwrace · « **Reply #32 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:18 pm »

I wonder if the next gen Air will have FW. That would be great!

I too have been wanting to get one but FW is important to me.

JohnR · « **Reply #33 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:18 pm »

Quote from: pardales on 10 Nov 2011, 12:10 pm

Right. No Firewire. So USB out to a DAC and one more USB port for a USB hard drive. I know there is optical out as well. I have heard some suggest that if using USB out to a DAC it is best to use a Firewire hard-drive (and vice-versa). Not sure if there is anything to that but that is not possible on the Mini.

The Air has two USB ports, no firewire, no optical out. This is not really news.

I don't know why you think it's not possible to not use both USB and Firewire on a Mini, as the ports are both there.

JohnR · « **Reply #34 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:20 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 10 Nov 2011, 12:18 pm

I wonder if the next gen Air will have FW. That would be great!

Depends on whether the "minimalist" philosophy continues I spose. After all, if you need more stuff, get the laptop that has more stuff.

jtwrace · « **Reply #35 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:24 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 10 Nov 2011, 12:20 pm

Depends on whether the "minimalist" philosophy continues I spose. After all, if you need more stuff, get the laptop that has more stuff.

Yeah but the size of the Air is just so nice.

wilsynet · « **Reply #36 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:38 pm »

It is very unlikely that FW will be in the next MacBook Air.

jtwrace · « **Reply #37 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 12:46 pm »

Quote from: wilsynet on 10 Nov 2011, 12:38 pm

It is very unlikely that FW will be in the next MacBook Air.

why?

JohnR · « **Reply #38 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 01:19 pm »

C'mon, have you seen one... where are all these ports going to go? The non-Air isn't all that much bigger, if connectivity is more of a priority. It's just sort of a decision on what type of machine you want.

My 2c FWIW

pardales · « **Reply #39 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 01:31 pm »

Anyway, I guess what I am after most is to know if anyone has used the Air as a music server in a 2 channel set up and what their experience was. I would also like to know if anyone has been able to compare the Air as music server to a Mini or Macbook pro.