[TwoTrack]

Just curious what people are doing for playback with the Mac Mini. 
 
Are you using USB or Firewire for output? 
 
What DACs and cables are you using?
 
What playback software?  iTunes?  Pure Music?

 

[kboe]

 
 
I don't exactly qualify as I have a Macbook Pro, but I use a Cardas Clear USB, (I also like Kimber USB cables) and a HRT Streamer +.

 

[MadCow]

My Mac Mini (early 2009 model) setup is: Plex or Front Row to Cambridge Audio DacMagic via optical cable.

 

[Dynobot]

Quote:

Just curious what people are doing for playback with the Mac Mini. 
 
Are you using USB or Firewire for output? 
Firewire Dac = TC Konnekt 8, M-Audio ProFire 610 [not a good dac imo]
USB Dac = AGD Ref 7, AGD Ref 5, Valab, Maverick D1, however I prefer Linux so I moved them all there.
 
What DACs and cables are you using?
CablesToGo Firewire cable
 
What playback software?  iTunes?  Pure Music?
iTunes, Pure Music, VLC, Play, Cog, Plex, Songbird, XBMC, like XBMC the best [warmer, full bodied yet nicely detailed]

 

[TwoTrack]

Good info.  Thanks.

 

[khollister]

Using my Mac Pro right now, but have a new Mini arriving today, so here's the rig:
 
2010 Mac Mini - 40 GB OWC SSD, 4 GB RAM, bus-powered external 500GB 2.5" drive for music
iTunes (catalog) + Pure Music 1.65
XLD (w XLD Secure Ripper) for ripping on the Mac Pro
Max to convert FLAC to AIFF (for HD downloads from HDTracks or Linn)
Mini is controlled by iPad with Apple Remote & Jump (VNC client)
Apogee Duet (potential upgrade later)
Ray Samuels HR-2 amp (potential tube upgrade later)
Sennheiser HD600 w Cardas cable
Cardas Gold Cross interconnects
AQ power cable for Mini
old PS Audio Prelude power cable for HR-2
 
 
Keith

 

[Large4mat]

I use iTunes.  I stream music to an Airport Express, and then use a fiber optic cable from the Airport Express to a HeadRoom Ultra Desktop Amp.  In my experience, optical sounds better than USB.