Option B: If no OS is pre-installed, first install one, then choose the appropriate media server software from the link above. (FWIW, I've tried several of them but have found myself been using Universal Media Server for the last 3 years. Option A: If an operating system is pre-installed and configured, all you need to do is install media server software. Depending on what kind of system you purchased, install the necessary software. (If you do plan on upgrading your HiFi equipment some time later, ensure the system has HDMI-out.)Ģ. There are numerous online retailers that offer models with a quad-core processor for much less than the low-end, dual-core Mini.
You can save yourself even more money if you purchase what's known as a "bare bones" system - these usually do not come with a pre-installed operating systems, hence no additional license fee built-in to the cost. (This was a very rewarding DIY project that has my circle of friends green with envy! ESPECIALLY the Apple fanboys!)ġ. If you don't want to limit yourself to Apple-only devices and their proprietary "ecosystem", you can build your own inexpensive, open-sourced solution with way more features and connectivity. However, are you looking to stand up a true media server that can distribute media files to various devices on your network, or just have a box with media files directly connected to your HiFi equipment? You're right - retail media servers are way overpriced.
Check out this excellent article written by Paul McGowan of PS Audio for detailed instructions on configuring a Mac Mini as a music server. Setting up the system shouldn’t be difficult, but there are some audiophile best practices you should pay attention to, especially if you want to play high-res audio.
The combined price, then, for your new music server setup would be in the $650 range-well below what you had originally budgeted for a Mac Mini plus a new HDMI-equipped receiver. Good USB DACs that you can hook up to your Mac Mini sell for as low as $150. What makes USB a superior option to HDMI in this case is that many USB DACs provide an Asynchronous transfer mode that’s effective in reducing digital jitter. A USB DAC is a standalone device that connects to one of the Mac Mini’s USB outputs, converts the digital audio signal to analog, and then routes it to a preamp or receiver via an analog stereo output.
While the Mac Mini has an HDMI output that you can use to send audio to an HDMI-equipped receiver, you’ll be better off using a USB DAC for music listening. But I don’t think you need to spend money on a new receiver, which works out anyway since you like the sound of your old gear. Am I on the right track? -James SeedsĪ I do think you’re on the right track in buying a Mac Mini computer ($499 and up) to use as a dedicated iTunes music server. It’s my thought that I can get a Mac Mini and new HDMI-equipped receiver for under $2,000 and the sound will be comparable to dedicated media servers priced at $2,000 or higher. My plan is to purchase a new receiver with HDMI inputs and attach a Mac Mini computer to use as a music server. My current music system consists of a Bryston 4B amp and Adcom GFP-555 preamp-old school analog stuff, but sounds great when I play CDs. Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at I’ve been bouncing around the idea of upgrading my current gear and going digital because my wife and I want the convenience of being able to cue up any piece of music using our iPhones.