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September 24, 2018 - 2:40am
#1
Is Mac mini a good digital source?
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I have been using a MacMini as a source for external DACs for years. It has limited processing power but, for your application, it should be more than adequate. It has, also, been rock-stable and reliable.
What DAC do you use?
You can get way better SQ and more features from other machines/devices than you can from a mini. Would need to know more about your listening habits / use cases before making a recommendation.
Moreover, the mini hasn't been updated in four years - it's even listed as a "Don't Buy" in the MacRumors Buyer's Guide:
https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac_Mini
$500 - $1K sounds like a waste of money to me for an underpowered machine that's four years old in design.
The sound/performance of a stock Mac Mini is ok, but to get really good sound out of one, you should consider modding/upgrading the stock unit. Mojo Audio have been doing upgrades for ages, but there are probably other good companies doing upgrades.