ITunes / Pure Music 2

[audi0]

I recently started using the iTunes/Pure Music2 combination on my MacBook as my main audio source with a XMOS Douk Audio DAC, I'm really happy with the result.
I'm wondering if anyone else uses Pure Music?

[rowuk]

I use BitPerfect with a Focusrite Saffire DAC and a MacMini set up for media playback. It works wonderfully for me. Alone the fact that it changes sampling rate based on the playback file is an incredible improvement!

I found that if you have an optimised operating system, you can gain again as much improvement. Here are sites dedicated to MacOS and operating system (I use the first link):

www.computeraudiodesign.com/osx-audio-optimization
mojoaudiofiles.wordpress.com/optimizing-os-x-mountain-lion-for-audio-and-video/
www.co-bw.com/Audio_OSX_Optimal_Audio.htm
downloads.sonicstudio.com/misc/MacOSX_Optimization_Setup.zip


Booting from an external drive is easy on the Mac, I would set up a media boot and for serious listening, use it.

[audi0]

I've been looking for a Mac mini, watching a few on eBay. What model is yours? G4, Core 2 or later? I would think a Core 2 would suffice?
I am really happy with the Pure Music software, I would definitely recommend it.
www.channld.com/puremusic/

Cheers,
Steve

[Deleted]

Are you guys aware that a bog standard Mac Mini, despite all the BS elsewhere about how much it sounds better than any Windows PC, is apparently capable of a marked improvement by the use of external linear PSUs ? Admittedly there isn't much change out of $1,000 for a John Swenson designed JS2 PSU (UpTone Audio LLC)which has an optional Kelvin Sensor PCB for monitoring the actual voltage at the output end of the cable for a further audible improvement, but a DIY person could improve the power to areas such as SSDs etc.at a relatively low cost.

Alex

[audi0]

I want one! More determined than ever now.... Has anyone attempted there own linear supply? I couldn't afford to buy one, if my wife found out that I had.......

[rowuk]

The beauty of the MacMini is its size format, level of software integration, WAF and the remote control of iTunes with a simple iPod. I am long out of the Mac vs Win discussions. They don't lead anywhere as everyones mind is made up. My personal opinion is that Mac are less work to install and maintain, and as there are less choices due to Apples resrictive software policies, we don't muck around as much chasing fairy bits and bytes.

Yes, I am aware of the external PS and the credible reports about the improvements. I don't have a grand to sink in a PS right now as I have identified a couple of things that need to be done first.

If I change the PS, it will probably be a DIY solution. An external PS does comprimise the form factor......... I could envision an external PS in the MacMini format however...........


My MM is a Core i7 2.7gHz with a 128gB ssd. Wired gigabit ethernet to a NAS drive where my music files are stored.

[Deleted]

insert quote here

Hi Robin

 As an example, it should be relatively easy to DIY a small LM317T based regulator to supply clean +5V to the SSD from the +12V rail ?

 Regards

Alex

[rowuk]

Aug 9, 2014 9:32:40 GMT @sandyk said:

insert quote here

Hi Robin

 As an example, it should be relatively easy to DIY a small LM317T based regulator to supply clean +5V to the SSD from the +12V rail ?

 Regards

Alex

Already did that (well actually the JLH circuit that you have been advocating for a long time)! I have been following your posts in this erection for years...........

The regulator board has SSD format and fits nicely in the MacMini.