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. The other option - like RUSD tech, using external DAC -> then ampflier - that will give you more consistent music quality if you ever change to different computer.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. If your amplifier has its own DAC (means it has digital input as source, sometimes optical/digital or USB) that you can use Mac as 'transport' the lossless music files to the amplifier (bypass Mac's owb DAC) - that will likely minimize the 'noticeable difference' between different Macs.

Most of the reviewers prefer the older iPod's Wolfson DAC than the flashier iPod Classic/even iPhones.įor some people, most of the build-in DAC (such as smartphones, portable music player) can vary widely. If you use 3.5mm (analog) as source for your amplifier - then, you are in the mercy of each manufacture/model's build-in DAC.īy looking back, I think it has been a conversational topic regarding iPod Video Wolfson vs. etc) - all require Digital-to-Analog Converter.

Digital music files (AIFF, Apple Lossless, WAV.

Mac mini speaker output