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.

Mac mini sound output