Simaudio, Dynaudio, Mac Mini, a Closet

by pwfletcher on Opinions Please
Audiophile?
Music Server
Home Automation

Description

The Story:

I am an audiophile addict! However, I love iTunes and the ability to instantly access all of my music from multiple locations around the house. Accordingly, I have been searching for a subjectively perfect system that balances my desires and still makes me say "WOW" when I sit down for a listen.

In addition, I now have a young daughter and my wife took away my office and converted it in to a guest room :-( Luckily for me, I am a master debater and was able to successfully negotiate for access to the two hallway closets downstairs ... I have now effectively turned them in to the world's smallest home office / audiophile listening room.

The System:

I have been playing around with components, software, and disc ripping formats in an effort to create a true audiophile sound system that uses a Mac Mini as the main source component. I feel that I have finally succeeded in my quest and have put together quite an amazing sounding system based upon the Mac Mini and iTunes.

I have been using the system for two weeks now. And, since the new speakers need at least 200 hours to break in and the new DAC needs at least 100 hours of use until it is truly ready, I will not be able to post an in depth review until next month. In the mean time, here is my setup and a mini review of my observations so far. A more in depth review will follow that will include my reasons for choosing each component of the system:

Computer Hardware:

Mac Mini 2.0Ghz

Newertech miniStack V2 500GB HD

Drobo 2TB HD

Audio Components:

Simaudio Moon I-7 Integrated Amp

Bel Canto DAC3

Shunyata Hydra Model 6 Power Conditioner

Dynaudio Confidence 1 Speakers

Nordost Tyr Balanced XLR Interconnects

Nordost SPM Speaker Wire

Software:

iTunes - CDs ripped using Apple Lossless

Indigo Home Automation Software

iRed IR Remote Automation Software

Initial Thoughts:

WOW!!!!! This is going to work! Already it is musical nirvana and the components haven't even broken in yet. Precise imaging, HUGE soundstage (considering the miniscule size of my listening room), perfect highs and a tight bass. When this system blooms later on this month, it will be a jaw dropper.

More to come ...

JUST ADDED:

My audio system, as well as my home automation system, can be accessed and controlled from my iPhone or from any computer connected to the internet from anywhere in the world. I have added a pic of the Indigo control page that allows me to do this ...
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Apple Mac Mini
    Media Server with CDs ripped via Apple Lossless.
    • Bel Canto DAC3
    USB DAC
    • Simaudio I-7
    Integrated Amp
    • Dynaudio C1
    Confidence 1
    • Nordost Tyr
    Balanced XLR
    • Nordost SPM
    Speaker Cables
    • Shunyata Hydra Model 6
    Power Conditioner

Comments 74

Showing all comments by ljr33.

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Hi,
I would really appreciate your help. I think your setup is amazing and I am trying to do something somewhat similar. In the description of your system you say that "My audio system, as well as my home automation system, can be accessed and controlled from my iPhone or from any computer connected to the internet from anywhere in the world."
I would love to be able to do this. Is it really possible to control the music store on a mac mini via an iphone or ipod touch? Are you able to see the all the names of the songs, the album art, etc? If so, this is exactly what I want to do, and I would really appreciate your input. I hope to hear back from you soon.

ljr33

Pwfletcher...
Thanks for your response. By the way, I'm sure you system kicks ass!! The pictures of it look great. I would love to one day uprgrade to C1 speakers. Sorry if I was confusing, but I think you figured out what I am trying to do. I do not yet own the ATV or a DAC. I only own the i5.3 and the 52se speakers. Would you suggest that I get something else instead of the ATV, if so would this also change your recommendation for the DAC? I look forward to your response. Thanks.

ljr33

Pwfletcher,
I am looking for a dac to go with the moon i5.3 that I am about to purchase. The dac would be used for a connection of an appple tv to play my music on itunes. I know you are currently using the bel canto with the simaudio i7. Do you have any recommendations for me? Does anyone else have any suggestions? I don't really want to spend much more than 1000 dollars on a dac. Thanks.

ljr33

I am in the process of purchasing a simaudio moon i5.3. I have Dynaudio 52se speakers. I am looking for a way to play all my itunes music files. What is the best way to do this? I was thinking about getting an apple tv. Any suggestions? Does anyone know the best way to solve my questions?

ljr33

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