If you were going to setup a new media server....

[Dom_P]

Would you use a general purpose computer or a dedicated device?

I'm probably going to connect it to the DAC in my Oppo BDP105 to start off with.

We are definitely an Apple household. So I could use a spare iMac I have laying around or buy a new mini and use iTunes/Audirvana.

Or does a dedicated device make more sense? Say the W4S modded Sonos, or maybe an Olive (not sure which model).

I like the flexibility of the Mac, but would love to hear some thoughts and pros/cons

[mbovaird]

I would use a Mac Mini with a SSD and buy a 4TB external drive (or NAS if you intend on sharing your iTunes library between multiple systems.). I like Audirvana+ with iTunes.

The best solution for the money is the brand new CAPS 3.0 server (build yourself if you're adventurous or buy ready made from the little green computer company). Read about CAPS 3.0 on www.computeraudiophile.com. JRiver is the app on this Windows build.

Regardless of which one, invest in a WW Platinum USB cable. It's the best USB cable for audio.

[doggiehowser]

I did hear the Aurender against an MBA 2011 a while back. The MBA wasn't a dedicated music machine but it was portable enough to bring to the dealer's place. I was using Pure Music then, a much earlier version than today's.

I thought the Aurender sounded better. The Mac sounded more lifeless. But I wasn't convinced in part because of the limitations. The Mac (and Windows) was getting DSD over USB support and I wanted that.

But since then I've compared the MBA to a 2011 Mini and a 2012 Mini (both quad core 16GB with SSD) and the dedicated machines sound better and more importantly, the software is getting better. Audirvana Plus 1.4.1 today IMHO outclasses the current PureMusic. And even the current PureMusic outperforms the older version I was testing. The "liveliness" is definitely there.

There are a few tweaks. See if you can find an old copy of the ultra fi OSX optimization guide online. If not, it's now up for sale on iTunes bookstore. I managed to download the Snow Leopard version when it was still free. I think it helps to minimize the background processes on the mini.

Also, if you don't need DSD support, I think Bitperfect on the App Store is even better bang for the buck. I think it sounds better than A+ with some material. It presents a slightly more recessed soundstage which I liked. Less in the face than A+.

[ragman]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

I would use a Mac Mini with a SSD and buy a 4TB external drive (or NAS if you intend on sharing your iTunes library between multiple systems.). I like Audirvana+ with iTunes.

The best solution for the money is the brand new CAPS 3.0 server (build yourself if you're adventurous or buy ready made from the little green computer company). Read about CAPS 3.0 on Computer Audiophile - The Preeminent Source for Computer Audio & Music Server Information and Reviews. JRiver is the app on this Windows build.

Regardless of which one, invest in a WW Platinum USB cable. It's the best USB cable for audio.

What sounds better the Aurender S10 or the Caps 3.0 Server ?

[catastrofe]

I've been doing computer audio since 2008. I've used various Mac based systems, including a Mac Pro/Lynx AES16, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro. I now use a dedicated Linux based server, and the improvement in sound quality is not subtle. I would never go back to a "computer".

[doggiehowser]

Have you done any tweaking of the Mac OS? Have a listen to the newest Audirvana Plus with Direct and Integer Mode and a good USB SPDIF implementation. It's IMHO a big improvement over the say a year or so ago.

[Elberoth]

Originally Posted by ragman

What sounds better the Aurender S10 or the Caps 3.0 Server ?

In my experience Aurender (via USB out) sound slightly better than the CAPS 2 (and most likely also the basic CAPS 3), but if you consider the huge price difference and the fact that you can invest that money into another part of your system to make it sound better - I'm not sure it is worth the price.

Solution I recommend is CAPS V3 + JRiver + quality USB converter (if you need one).

[ragman]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

In my experience Aurender (via USB out) sound slightly better than the CAPS 2 (and most likely also the basic CAPS 3), but if you consider the huge price difference and the fact that you can invest that money into another part of your system to make it sound better - I'm not sure it is worth the price.

Solution I recommend is CAPS V3 + JRiver + quality USB converter (if you need one).

thanks for your Answer

I have a Meitner Ma 1 Da Converter but with an normal windows Pc and Jriver When i hear the music over the Mcintosh mvp 891 and the Meitner DA its Sound so much better

Thanks for this great Forum in Austria or Germany there is nothing like this

[1KW]

The mac mini works great and takes up very little space.

[catastrofe]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

Have you done any tweaking of the Mac OS? Have a listen to the newest Audirvana Plus with Direct and Integer Mode and a good USB SPDIF implementation. It's IMHO a big improvement over the say a year or so ago.

Yes. . .a dedicated server still sounds better (to me).