|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
70.181.188.112
In Reply to: RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? posted by audioengr on April 17, 2014 at 10:00:03
I would first like to thank Steve for providing me his Overdrive SE DAC with the Final Drive and Short Block. These were recently reviewed by me at AudioStream.
I just don't agree with his view that a Mac Mini is the only way to play music. As fmac has previously pointed out, a MacBook pro and a Mac Mini are not all that different given that they use very compact architecture. The MacBook Pro has the advantage of being faster; the faster Mac generally sounds better-at least to me. Also, the MacBook Pro can be run off its battery; a mode that sounds better than plugged into its AC adapter.
But the sad fact is, what sounds best to you will often be the result of synergism with your complete system. I find it very difficult to make a general pronouncement because even though I listen to many different DACs, I don't change my speakers, amps, etc.
Since last year, I have found Windows 8.1 64 Pro with Jriver/JPlay to be more satisfying than my Mac software programs in terms of sound in the context of my system. I will eventually try the Windows server that our friends Bob and fmac prefer.
Follow Ups:
Mercman - Thanks again for the review. I think a PC can be a decent platform for music playback if it has Linux OS and minimizes extraneous apps etc.. The Antipodes is a case in point. Sounds every bit as good as my Mini. Lots of optimizations were done on both the Mini and the Antipodes server. The problem is Windows IMO.
N/T
If it sounds so bad, how did it get best sound of show from one reviewer and 2nd place from another at last RMAF?
"If it sounds so bad, how did it get best sound of show from one reviewer and 2nd place from another at last RMAF?"
The MAC OS does not necessary sound bad, it is just that some things now sound better. Doctors used leaches, now they use antibiotics. Nothing wrong with progress and keeping an open mind...
"Mercman - Thanks again for the review. I think a PC can be a decent platform for music playback if it has Linux OS and minimizes extraneous apps etc.. The Antipodes is a case in point. Sounds every bit as good as my Mini. Lots of optimizations were done on both the Mini and the Antipodes server. The problem is Windows IMO."
It is nice that you think that, but have you actually done any researcher into what can be done with the MS operating system? What windows are you talking about? Is every MS OS the same IYO?
Some newer Windows systems can approach this kind of sound quality, but I have yet to hear anything as good based on Windows. Part of the problem is software apps, not OS. Nothing seems to match the best version of Amarra. I think Jriver and Jplay come close though.
"Some newer Windows systems can approach this kind of sound quality, but I have yet to hear anything as good based on Windows. Part of the problem is software apps, not OS. Nothing seems to match the best version of Amarra. I think Jriver and Jplay come close though."
But you have not heard server 2012 and the AO. With this OS running in core mode + JPlay it is clearly superior to any MAC system. This is from first hand experience, and other trusted opinions. You really should try it. The AO has been a revelation to me, it vastly improves an already good OS.
You are correct, I have not tried everything, including this. I hope to hear some of these Windows systems at Newport or RMAF.
Stop trying to change set in stone belief systems!!
Next thing you know you might ask others on this board to have an open mind...c'mon now! :)
Stop trying to change set in stone belief systems!!
Next thing you know you might ask others on this board to have an open mind...c'mon now! :)"
It would be nice sometimes.
I still enjoy this hobby,it should be fun. I don't get what people are thinking sometimes.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: