Build a GREAT sounding music server - 101 (part 1)

[Dj_AmTraX]

I've been reading, learning, and playing around with my Mac OS X based music for a while now. I like to share how I set things up and how you too can build a GREAT sounding music server for under $1500. This is my way of giving back to this forum since many of you have helped me on other things.

This will be a multi part tutorial because I don't want to overwhelm you with a list of things to get and do. I understand that you can find a tutorial on Google, but this tutorial will save you A LOT time reading through many forum posts or lengthy write-ups.

So what do you need? Assuming that you already have a DAC (digital to analog converter) that you want to use, I will not list the DAC of my choice. I can't provide store links here, but you can Google each item and you will find great deals. The Amazon link below is a good place to start.

- 2010 Mac Mini (basic model) *** 2010 is the latest model as of writing ***



- Apple Wireless Keyboard



- Apple Magic Trackpad



- One HDMI cable to connect to TV



- 2x 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 204 pin Memory Sticks



- OCZ Vertex 2, 2.5" Solid State Drives, SATA II, 40GB (40GB is plenty for the operating system and some apps)



- Lacie Rugged Portable Hard Drive, 1TB with FireWire 800 (Bus Powered meaning no wall power supply)



- Mini Optical to Toslink cable



- Apple 8GB iPod Touch (you can get this for FREE with Apple Back to School Program)



Now that you have all your hardware, let's get going. You want to install the RAM (memory) and SSD (hard drive). See video links below.

RAM install:
YouTube - ‪HOW TO: Mac Mini RAM Upgrade‬‏

SSD install:
YouTube - ‪Mac mini (Unibody, Spring 2010) Hard Drive Replacement How To‬‏

**** Stay tuned for Part 2 ****

[JemHadar]

great initiative...Thank You Mike

looking forward to part 2

[Ritmo]

Mike,

This is great. I'm considering this set up for my first computer audio adventure. There is a company called Mach2Mac that sells a turnkey Mini with a similar configuration to the one you are building here.

How much effort and time to build this mini server?

Look forward to the rest of the of the instructions.

Thanks,
Mike

[bakerman]

Mike,

I hate to add a comment seeing how this is just getting started and you have lots more info. to give but...

I'm sure you listed the iTouch for it's cost cutting measures but an iPad works like a charm and has a bigger screen to boot. For those of us with bad eyesight and ham-hock fingers!

Just another option.

[f1 fan]

Mike...thanks for the class and looking forward to part 2. Very informative.

Dave

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[Dj_AmTraX]

Thanks for the support guys. I really hope this will help someone get things started on a Mac based music sever.

I decided not to recommend an iPad mainly because I don't feel the Apple Remote app for the iPad is as good as the iPod Touch version. Cost was another and how the iPad feels in the hand was another. The iPod Touch feels much better in the hand as a remote.

Part two will come in a few days. It will be about how to strip down the operating system to get the best sound quality.

[bakerman]

Originally Posted by Dj_AmTraX

Part two will come in a few days. It will be about how to strip down the operating system to get the best sound quality.

Thanks Mike. Can't wait for the info. on this!

[-E-]

Good luck, Mike.

Can't wait to see how your project turns out.

[JT3]

Thanks, this will be helpful. I bought the Lacie HD to connect to my Macbook for music storage, but have been delaying setting everything up.

[rnrmf1971]

Great post... What do you like about the Lacie external drive? Is it a very quiet drive?