Mac Mini based music transport questions

[swt61]

So I just bought a used G4 Mac Mini for $89.00. Thought I'd try it out, now that I have a USB DAC.

I guess at this point my plan is just Mini to Zdac via USB, and iTunes as player. Not sure what operating system is on the Mini (should arrive before the first of Dec.)

I've browsed for small LED monitors, but with no luck. Is there an iPad sized monitor out there?

Curious about how everyone else is running their Mini based setups, all advice welcomed.

[morphsci]

I use a full sized, 24" Acer monitor, and AirPlay to my ipad. I also run Amarra on top of iTunes.

[Voltron]

I still want a mini LED or LCD monitor with touch capability but haven't found one. The iPad options are not great IMO but it would be perfect if they were. I have used either a crappy LCD or an old school Apple monitor that is relatively small. I also use Amarra on top of iTunes and think it is a nice improvement, but you can see if you like the computer setup before committing to that. Jim had Amarra Mini until recently so maybe he could tell you the differences between iTunes and the Mini vs full Amarra.

[grawk]

There are 7" and 10" VGA displays on amazon.

[naamanf]

www.xenarcdirect.com

[morphsci]

Mini is no more Al, but they let anybody with a Mini license upgrade to Amarra. They now have Amarra HiFi ($49), Amarra ($189) and Amarra Symphony ($495) (current Amarra users get a free upgrade with their license). The main difference between HiFi and full Amarra is that the Hifi is pretty much tied to iTunes and it is lower ( but still 192 kHz) resolution. They have a nice comparison on their website. I just started using airplay but so far it is pretty good. I previously used remote HD which worked just fine. I basically just want to be able to lean back in the chair like a slug and it works fine for that.

[swt61]

So are you saying that with the purchase of an Apple TV, I can use Airplay to send content from my Mini to my iPad, and control my content from the iPad?

Also, my Zdac is 192 kHz. Is there any reason to buy above Amarra HiFi?

Thanks for all the help BTW!

Edited November 25, 2012 by swt61

[morphsci]

AirPlay is for using the ipad to mirror or extend the monitor on your mini. The main reason I use Amarra is that it makes playing different resolution files seamless and I like their DSP options. When I bought Amarra mini it was the cheapest option. If I was buying it new today I would probably just buy the Amarra HiFi.

Edited November 26, 2012 by morphsci

[Augsburger]

Steve, I use my Mac Mini FW out to my ULN8 using basic iTunes and old 15 inch LCD monitor. I am limited to a 15 inch monitor because of the location of the gear and Mary will not allow anything larger in my listening room which is also the living room. I am waiting for Al's mini LED touch screen or better iPad interface solution to surface somewhere sometime.

[morphsci]

I need to stop drinking. Replace AirPlay with Air Display in all my posts above.

[Fitz]

I need to stop drinking.

This would never happen on postjack's forum

[Voltron]

I kinda figured you meant Air Display. I need a drink, though.

[morphsci]

This would never happen on postjack's forum

Not gonna happen here either.

Edited November 26, 2012 by morphsci

[Dusty Chalk]

I need to stop drinking. Replace AirPlay with Air Display in all my posts above.

You know, you can do that.

I mean later, when you're sober.

[cutestory]

I'll stop drinking when I'm sober.

[swt61]

I need to stop drinking. Replace AirPlay with Air Display in all my posts above.

Don't go to such drastic means, but this does make much more sense to me now.

That'll give me the freedom to place the Mini monitor anywhere, and use the iPad for control.

Now, one more question...can I move my PC based iTunes files straight over to the Mac?

[grawk]

if the mac is running the same version of itunes. I think the G4 is limited to a fairly old version, right?

[Dusty Chalk]

He should still be able to do a backup and restore from within iTunes, neh?

[naamanf]

For us non-Mac types what would be a good one to look for on the cheap for doing music serving and AirPlaying?

[morphsci]

I would get a mid 2010 Mac Mini or newer. I have that one with 8gb of ram and it runs mountain lion well. Never had any glitches playing music without any of the silly things like disabling wifi and Bluetooth.

[Augsburger]

You guys probably know this already but Apple is selling their refurbs on Ebay----

http://www.ebay.com/...cat=0&_from=R40

Never mind. MBAs and iPads, no Mac Minis. Consider my post an off topic FYI......

Edited November 27, 2012 by Augsburger

[swt61]

If I like this Mini/computer based transport thingy, I'll most likely upgrade to a newer unit. I figured that for $89.00, I could just pass the G4 onto whoever else might wanna try this route.

[Dusty Chalk]

You guys probably know this already but Apple is selling their refurbs on Ebay----

http://www.ebay.com/...cat=0&_from=R40

No I didn't, so thanks for posting that.

[grawk]

I think the key is "new enough for mountain lion", but I'm not sure which of the core 2 duos makes that possible. I'd go with mountain lion because that will last you longest with itunes.

[morphsci]

I'm pretty sure the early 2009 mini can support Mountain Lion. I also agree with Dan that you want one that can run OSx 10.8.

Edited November 27, 2012 by morphsci