Where to start

[Keith Anderson]

Been away from Hi-Fi for many years and just bought a set of active Klipsch The Sevens speakers to get back into it, I have a Mac Mini, old 2012 model that’s been in the cupboard for a while. Now I’m going to hook it up to my speakers and use it for now as a music source, so like streamers and see the Wiim seem to get some decent reviews but how good is a $200-$600 streamer compared to the mini. 
I used at this time Apple Music, but am happy to change to another service if it’s going to be better and on my little system I actually hear a difference, 

so should I stick to the mini and Apple music or stick to the mini and change source Qobuz for instance or should I actually just buy a cheap streamer like the  Wiim or go for something better. 
Again would I even hear a difference

[Snoopy8]

The Sevens have a built in DAC, so all you need is a streamer.  There are many streamers from entry level to spending $$$$$$.  More expensive streamers have better power supplies, better internal clocks and better chassis.  

 

However, there is one way to improve your Mac Mini to compete with a more expensive high end streamers.  Get a Gieseler USB reclocker

 

https://www.gieseler.com.au/product-page/usb-reinigen

 

Also get 2  ViaBlue USB cables (exceptional performance for money)

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/usb-cables-hubs/viablue-kr-2-silver-usb-a-cable-male-usb-b-male-plated-gold-10-m-p-8640.html

 

$1,500 will deliver an SQ improvement that you will hear...

[aussievintage]

14 hours ago, Keith Anderson said:

Again would I even hear a difference

 

 

I doubt it, not because of your system particularly, but because differences are subtle at best.   I think your money would be better spent on widening the scope of the music to which you have access.  Try the other services, also free stuff like internet radio.

[Hi-Fi Whipped]

Nice start, I’m a Mac user and I don’t see an enjoyable way to control Apple Music via a Mac but if you think it will work you can do worse than starting there.

 

if I were in your shoes I’d grab a WIIM that fits the budget and use airplay to stream Apple Music to it. You could then try tidal and qobuz on a free trial to see if there’s any audible improvements.

[Irek]

"should I actually just buy a cheap streamer like the  Wiim or go for something better. "

 

You should go for something better. If the sound quality is your priority I can recommend Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 Network Player Transport. Besides streaming you can copy all music to external HDD/SSD/USB stick or sever. 

[POV]

On 21/11/2024 at 9:17 PM, Snoopy8 said:

The Sevens have a built in DAC, so all you need is a streamer.  There are many streamers from entry level to spending $$$$$$.  More expensive streamers have better power supplies, better internal clocks and better chassis.  

 

However, there is one way to improve your Mac Mini to compete with a more expensive high end streamers.  Get a Gieseler USB reclocker

 

https://www.gieseler.com.au/product-page/usb-reinigen

 

Also get 2  ViaBlue USB cables (exceptional performance for money)

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/usb-cables-hubs/viablue-kr-2-silver-usb-a-cable-male-usb-b-male-plated-gold-10-m-p-8640.html

 

$1,500 will deliver an SQ improvement that you will hear...

 

@Keith Anderson You will encounter various opinions on forums like this, but I urge you to prioritise fact-based decision-making rather than relying on subjective opinions. While some aspects of audio are inherently subjective, others, like USB audio, are very, very well understood and should not, in my view, need to be subject to debate. USB reclockers and regenerators fall into the latter category, and I recommend avoiding them. Furthermore, I would caution against manufacturers who promote these devices. Either they misunderstand USB data transmission in audio applications, or, worse they understand it but still market these unnecessary products. Based on recent posts here, I believe the former may apply to the manufacturer being discussed.

 

In asynchronous USB audio setups, reclockers cannot improve audio quality because the fundamental design of asynchronous transfer renders them irrelevant. The DAC controls the flow of data and uses its internal clock for digital-to-analog conversion, isolating the audio process from USB signal timing. USB protocols also include robust error correction to ensure data arrives intact. As long as the data is error-free, a reclocker cannot provide any benefit.

 

While reclockers claim to reduce jitter or power supply noise, these claims are misplaced in modern asynchronous DACs.  Jitter in the USB signal does not affect audio quality because the DAC reclocks the data. Similarly, power supply noise does not compromise digital audio data transmission, which is immune to such interference. No manufacturer has provided measurable evidence to substantiate these claims, and robust error correction further ensures the integrity of the audio data.

 

Ultimately, in an asynchronous USB setup, the quality of the DAC’s internal clock, power suppy, and overall design are the key factors affecting sound quality. Spend your money on a high-quality DAC from a reputable manufacturer rather than on reclockers or regenerators.  Your Mac Mini paired with a high quality DAC, and connected by a technnically compliant USB cable will be capable of achieving routinely excellent audio fidelity.

[Steff]

On 21/11/2024 at 6:26 PM, Keith Anderson said:

bought a set of active Klipsch The Sevens speakers

Congrats. Enjoy the music first. If you find something is "off" or whatever - investigate. Some folks on here have systems that go into the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do not compare. A tricycle will never be a Bentleigh. But might still give the same pleasure.

For future reference, your room plus speakers will determine most of the sound. Short of changing the speakers, Keith's intro to digital signal processing would be a good and inexpensive way to start:

 

Here's to many many hours of happy listening.

Edited November 24, 2024 by Steff

[doogie44]

I think there is no substitute for listening to some modern DACS--and streaming services--in a similar system to your own, if possible. A friend's place; a showroom; a loan of some gear...

 

Many digital theories are not borne out as superior in listening/musical practice e.g. type of bit management and jitter management (although the theories appear good). There is a large sonic difference between a really well-designed DAC (think Denafrips/Giesler) and one thrown together as an afterthought (nameless Chinese c**p). Having said that the Wiim and the Eversolo gear is both cheap and excellent in many systems. It's a slippery slope when you leave the top of the middle range of quality digital gear and start 'ascending the mountain'.

 

For years I listened to Cambridge Audio DACs with Qobuz and was reasonable satisfied. Too often though the sound quality didn't match my venerable Audionote CD-2 valve player! Then I heard the combo of Denafrips Pontus 2 DAC with an Auralic G1 streamer (courtesy of advice from @Snoopy8); Stop the fight--we have a winner! ...and I am a lifelong valves & vinyl guy.

 

Some digital reproduction conundrums:

 

1. I have never been able reliably to discern 24/96 from 24/192. 

2. Computer-based audio can be very 'noisy' and distorted: listener beware

3. Early Red Book CDs at 16/44 can sound superb on the right gear. What price 'progress'?

4. Coming to a considered judgment/opinion about just what digital can actually sound like means hearing the latest expensive efforts from the state of the art/cutting edge; don't conclude unless you've done this! Back in the real world there's now considerable 'trickle down' of good technology to help digital sound more like analogue (yes, I know, I know...)

5. As many have said here on SNA the actual recordings which are the basis for good digital matter a lot. Choose well.

6. You don't have to spend many, many thousands to get near the top level of digital reproduction

 

Conclusion: One can be quite happy with a cost-effective digital system playing great recordings in a well-married system regardless of the actual theories. Relaxing and immersive. 

 

Just my 2c worth