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In Reply to: RE: Pinging Abe Collins posted by AbeCollins on June 26, 2016 at 21:06:35
Thanks Abe, I'm not that good with Windows XP, and my PC is over 10 years old. I'm sure the PS Audio DAC is better than the HRT. A guy on Positive Feedback Tom Gibbs did a review of the PS, he likes it better than his HRT too of line DAC. I'll probably get both the Mac and Ps Dac. My old Dell PC had its day and I want to upgrade. If you like your set up I should like it too. What software do you recommend with ITunes ? I'm in no rush but will get it together bye end of July. I'll keep you posted on how it works out. Thanks again for any info on the need for what software to get.
Regards
Ken
Follow Ups:
There are several great software players for the Mac these days. My personal favorite that I have used for a long time is Audirvana Plus with iTunes in 'iTunes integrated mode'.
However, I'm presently playing with Roon and HQPlayer.
If you rip new CDs using iTunes I would choose AIFF over Apple Lossless or AAC. Those settings can be altered in iTunes > Preferences > General > Import Settings. And check the box for "Use error correction when reading Audio CDs."
From the OP- "The Mac I want to buy is new 2016, 2.6 HZ Intel Core 15 with 256 GB SSD. Cost is 899.00."
Abe- In your opinion how valuable would the options to upgrade the MAC mini to 16GB RAM or the 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor be with respect to the benefit to sound quality only?
In your opinion how valuable would the options to upgrade the MAC mini to 16GB RAM or the 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor be with respect to the benefit to sound quality only?Generally no benefit.
The reason I have a fast quad-core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM is that I'll occasionally use my Mac Mini for video transcoding - but obviously not while listening to music.
Another reason for having a reasonably fast processor and a decent amount of RAM is if you plan to use something like HQPlayer for on the fly conversion to DSD. The current Mac Mini with 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and standard 8GB RAM is fine. I wouldn't get the 1.4GHz 4GB model.
Also, many players like Pure Music and Audirvana Plus have a "memory play" feature where tracks are loaded into RAM prior to playback. So having sufficient RAM is also helpful here. Pure Music and Amarra both recommend 8GB or more.
I would say that the current model Mini with 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and standard 8GB RAM is plenty.
Edits: 06/27/16
And as the various player software evolves, I'm guessing more is better as larger 'memory buffer' becomes user selectable.
Edits: 06/27/16
It's not just for breakfast anymore...,
But I'm guessing that with memory and the newer Mac Mini's, you had better order all that you think you can drink or you might end up dry!
.
Is there any truth to what I've heard said that an extra amount of RAM and a faster processor can create an additional amount of noise in the computer which could detract from music playback quality?
In "theory" anything is plausible. If we worry about it too much we should all go back to spinning vinyl.
More going on is not necessarily a good thing for audio.
RAM? Not so much, at least IMHO. And as Memory Play seems to be the order of the day, I think more is better for the long term.
However the SSD can be an issue though not the SS memory itself but the rather complex routines managed by the SSD controller. And among the many manufacturers of SSD drives, there can be significantly differences in the controller and how it manages the drive, or so I have been told.
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