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 ...
Pwfletcher, how did you choose indigo? I am looking at automating my home and the audio store I patronage is highly recommending Crestron? I'm curious if you also looked at Crestron and how you decided to go with Indigo/insteon. Are you happy with the system?
You mentioned upgrading my front L&R. I have been looking at the PMC OB-1's. I'd like to stick in that line so I wont have to replace all speakers in my surround set up. Have you heard these and what other advice might you give me?
Thanks for your responses. The apple tv does have a USB out. Someone mentioned that since I am connecting from apple tv to my preamp that I am using the dac in my preamp. If I run from apple tv to a bel canto dac then to my preamp will this degrade the stream vs. running from the bel canto directly to my amp? I'm a bit confused about this.
Also, one of the nice features with apple tv is the on screen interface. I connect via hdmi to my preamp and from my preamp to tv via hdmi. This takes advantage of hdmi switching at the preamp wth no need to change the tv inputs for the various components. If I connect apple tv to a dac with usb, would there be a way to use the hdmi for video while using the usb to dac for audio?
I also looked at the audio request music servers as a means to simplify this process but was disappointed with the on screen interface. Does anyone have any good experience with this product?
That is very helpful. I have my apply tv connected to me surround receiver via hdmi. I assumed this was the superior connection and I like that it carries video and audio. Would a toslink cable carry the audio better?
I imported some cd's using the lossless compression and I do notice a substantial improvement. I will try aiff as well. Still, a cd does sound better. Even though my preamp has a dac would it make any sense to purchase a standalone such as a belcanto? Could I place this between apple tv and my preamp?
Your post was very helpful. I would like to upgrade the quality of the stream. I really like the on screen interface of apple tv, plus that I can watch video and you tube etc. I would very much like to improve the quality of the audio. Is there any hardware that I could use in conjunction with the apple tv to improve the audio? I have NAD masters series preamp and amplifier, shunyata hydra, Nordost blue heaven cable, and PMC FB-1/DB-1 speakers(5) and an MJ Acoustics Sub. I love my system for music and surround, but am disappointed with the output from itunes. Thanks much.
Unbelievable! I did not know half of this was possible. I am running itunes via apple tv to my nad m15 preamp. I am disappointed with the quality of sound vs. cd's played directly. I know the itunes music is compressed, and I will try using the lossless import. Does anyone have any success using apple tv? Also, dumb question, but what is the DAC and what is it's purpose given you have an integrated?
