What is the best way to set up a Mac Mini music server? The most significant upgrade you can make to you Mac Mini is to replace the stock switch-mode power supply (SMPS) with a low-noise linear. When the SMPS noise is eliminated, the result is cleaner and more defined “square waves” in the digital signal, which translates to fewer bit read errors, less error correction, and less jitter. Replacing the stock SMPS that powers your Mac Mini with a low-noise linear power supply will make more of an improvement in performance than SSDs, upgraded RAM, OS X optimizations, player software, and anti-resonance upgrades all combined.
In addition to upgrading the stock SMPS, the more of the upgrades listed below you make, the higher performance you will have: • On pre-2014 Mac Minis upgrade RAM with a minimum of 8GB of low-latency RAM (CAS 9 or better). • Order 2014 and newer Mac Minis with a minimum of 8GB of RAM. • On pre-2014 Mac Minis upgrade one HDD to a low-capacity (64GB) 2.5' SLC SSD for OS X and player software. • Order 2014 and newer Mac Minis with the smallest mSATA SSD card option for OS X and player software. • Use a large capacity internal MLC SSD or external NAS/RAID array with MLC SSDs for your music library. • Independently power any external drives, switches, routers, and converters with an.
• Use high-performance shielded data cables (USB, Ethernet, etc). • Isolate input music data, output music data, and software commands on an independent data buss. • Turn off unused wireless control interfaces such as infrared, Bluetooth, and WiFi. • Interface WiFi through the Ethernet port using an external wireless router and turn off internal wireless hardware. • Only use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for setup - control the Mac Mini “headless” with a mobile device. • Use anti-resonant products under your Mac Mini, power supply, converters, and storage drives.
• Optimize your operating system to improve audio performance. • A USB device (reclocker, regenerator, or converter) can significantly improve performance with most DACs.
Nov 15, 2018 - You can configure the memory in your Mac mini (Late 2014) when you purchase it. Mac mini (Mid 2011): Memory specifications and upgrades.
• A dedicated ultralow-noise will significantly improve performance of any USB device. To power USB devices our power supply has an optional second output that is selectable for 5V, 7V, or 9V. For music libraries smaller than 4TB we recommend an internal SSD for everything. For larger music libraries we recommend an external NAS/RAID array with all SSD drives powered with an. Our power supply is optimized for powering a NAS/RAID array with up to four HDDs or any number of SSDs. If you can't afford SSD drives for your music library, the correct type of HDD is one that is.
These AV optimized drives are used in professional surveillance and audio/video recording studio systems because unlike normal HDDs, they don't stop every 10 minutes or so to self-calibrate. Though not audible most of the time, when the self-calibration mode in a normal HDD takes place, data drop-outs and audible time shifts occur. How difficult is it to upgrade the power supply in a Mac Mini?
For 2009 and older Mac Minis the upgrade is plug-and-play requiring no tools of any kind. For 2010-2014 Mac Minis, if you have the tools and skills to change the hard drive, you also have the tools and skills to install one of our plug-and-play power supply upgrade kits. Tools for doing upgrades on 2010-2014 Mac Mini are available from The new late 2014 Mac Minis are another story: Apple used three T6 Tamper Resistant Torx screws to hold on the internal metal bottom plate. Currently, we've not seen any place to purchase a aside from buying a very expensive professional set.
Thank you Apple: P Our plug-and-play DIY upgrade kit uses a 5.5mm DC power jack and and removable DC power cable like so many of our competitors. Though they are designed for ease of installation without the need for soldering or any electronics expertise, their performance is no where near that of our recommended hardwired installation. The hardwired version is our highest performance upgrade and comprises over 99% of the upgrades we sell. In addition to the tools required to disassemble a Mac Mini, some basic electronics skills, a volt/ohm meter, and a soldering gun are required.