jmstreithorst Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Dear all, I live in Brazil and am just concuding the set up of my 50% music 50% HT system. I already have a Mac Mini (sorry, do not remember the vintage) ith 16GB of RAM and would like to turn it into a media center. I figurde out already that I will need na external Hard drive. Apart from that I am completely lost. Briefly, my system is as follows: LR Speaker: BW 802 Diamond LR Suround: BW SCM1 Nautilus Amp: Bryston 9B ST Processor: Integra 80.3 Front end: Oppo 105D My initial idea was (is) to connect the Mac Mini through an HDMI cable to Integrs PC input at the integra. Is that the best way? Can I use the DAC of either the Integra or the Oppo (I would hate to paydouble for something that I already have)? What would be the recomeded next steps? Thanks to all i advance. Great fórum (will be even better when I understand all the lingo, hopefully) Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I think your best bet for connecting the Mac Mini to the Integra is to get a USB to. SPDIF converter and then use an SPDIF input on your preamp. You will then be using the internal DAC of your Integra. Have ver you ripped your CD collection yet? Are you using iTunes or other software? "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
jmstreithorst Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 I have not ripped my CD collection yet. Will install the software and then do it. I think I will install JR. Do you think it sprefrable to convert from USB to SPDIF than use the integra USB port? Just out curiosity (trying to understand stuff), why do you think that that would work best? I read somewhere that some Mc minis have SPDIF hidden. If that is my case, would it be better to just use SPDIF from one to the other? Thks again Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 The headphone output jack can serve a dual purpose as mini Toslink to Toslink connection which you could use the optical input on your preamp then. JRiver for Mac does not support ripping. I would use XLD. "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
Maldur Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I would use XLD. +1 Sorry, english is not my native language. Fools and fanatics are always certain of themselves, but wiser people are full of doubts. Link to comment
jmstreithorst Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 The headphone output jack can serve a dual purpose as mini Toslink to Toslink connection which you could use the optical input on your preamp then. JRiver for Mac does not support ripping. I would use XLD. The not ripping is an issue. First I heard about it. Good to know, thanks. just reading my Integra's manual and it says (1) not to use the USB input for music as it will not work and (2) that only HDMI suports 192 mhz. Then the question, why not use HDMI? thankx again Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 The not ripping is an issue. First I heard about it. Good to know, thanks. just reading my Integra's manual and it says (1) not to use the USB input for music as it will not work and (2) that only HDMI suports 192 mhz. Then the question, why not use HDMI? thankx again JRiver for Mac is now my primary library manager and playback software. I do use XLD for ripping and transcoding. I still have iTunes and use it with Audivrana as the playback software on occasion. JRIver Media Center on the Windows OS does support ripping. "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
jmstreithorst Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 JRiver for Mac is now my primary library manager and playback software. I do use XLD for ripping and transcoding. I still have iTunes and use it with Audivrana as the playback software on occasion. JRIver Media Center on the Windows OS does support ripping. Is the metadata also available on the itunes + audirvana and the JRiver equaly well? Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Is the metadata also available on the itunes + audirvana and the JRiver equaly well? Yes. If I edit metadata in JRiver it carries over to iTunes and vice versa. I point both tools at the same folder structure. "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
mayhem13 Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I see no reason to avoid the Integra's HDMI input from the mini. Use the mini for serving up audio and the Oppo for HiDef video. But if you like the convenience of a video juke box/ streamer format, I suggest the addition of an Apple TV. Link to comment
One and a half Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 The Oppo 105D has an async USB DAC connection that even supports DSD128. HDMI doesn't sync data, and it's mixed up with audio on a video sub carrier...good for pictures, not so great for audio. Use a USB cable from the mac Mini to the Oppo and the analog out (XLR!) to the Integra as per existing cabling. Recommend audirvana + as playback if you wish to retain OSX. AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
jmstreithorst Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 Use a USB cable from the mac Mini to the Oppo and the analog out (XLR!) to the Integra as per existing cabling. Recommend audirvana + as playback if you wish to retain OSX. it is already connected through XLR! manythanks Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 The not ripping is an issue. First I heard about it. Good to know, thanks. just reading my Integra's manual and it says (1) not to use the USB input for music as it will not work and (2) that only HDMI suports 192 mhz. Then the question, why not use HDMI? thankx again Because your USB input on your Integra won't serve the purpose needed with the Mac Mini is why I recommended a USB to SPDIF converter (many are available from a few dollars to a lot of dollars). I can't make a recommendation on HDMI simply because I've never used it other than as the video connection to my HDTV which acts as my monitor for the Mac Mini when needed. Others who use an AVR are more likely to use the HDMI connection route. I have always used an external DAC which do not support HDMI so the USB or SPDIF have been my options. "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
jmstreithorst Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 Guess I will connect through Oppo's USB (B). now todecide on hardware software ( J River or Audirvana plug in with iTunes) and external drives. Link to comment
jriver Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Ripping in the Mac version of JRiver will be available in a few days. Jim Hillegass / JRiver Media Center / jriver.com Link to comment
Paul R Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Ripping in the Mac version of JRiver will be available in a few days. That will be seriously cool... -Paul Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat DAC. Robert A. Heinlein Link to comment
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