Galactic Soap Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) Hi Guys, I’m thinking of moving on from my current digital media transport solution to a MacBook Air or comparable Ultrabook in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone. The reason why I’m considering an Air/Ultrabook is due to the need to use it as a regular Ultrabook during the day i.e. the MS Office Suite + MS Visio both versions in 64 bit and then at night have it function as my media server connected via my existing USB implementation (current system configuration listed below). Source: Squeeze Box Touch + Teddy Pardo for Streaming/Spotify and a Bel Canto CD3T Transport DAC: Bel Canto DAC 3.5VBS/ VBS1/ Ref Link Power-Amp: Accuphase E-460 Speakers: Dynaudio C1 MKII's Subwoofer: Single Galo TR-3 Power: Isotek Polaris + Isotek Power Cables Speaker Wire: Nordost Flatline Silver Internconnects: DH Labs Revelation XLR USB: 2 Meter Wire World Ultraviolet After a little research I see that the consensus around some parts re: using a Mac as a Media Server centres throws up the following requirements: 1. As close to the minimum requirements the better as a high powered machine often means more noise 2. To a linear power supply helps lower the noise floor, although I don’t think that’s an option for a Mac Book Air i.e. no Linear Power Supply, running it off it’s internal battery is the way to go. This limits the listening sessions to 4 hours given I’ll be running Windows 7 via Bootcamp, which ordinarily isn’t a problem. Can you guys confirm or deny if I’m on the right path, and if necessary debunk any of the myths above? Would an Macbook Air running Windows via Bootcamp with the following specs perform the role of media server appropriately: Processor: i5 1.7 Ghz RAM: 4GB SSD: 128 GB Lastly, I'm leaning towards the Mac's because of their superior build quality. Cheers, Soapy Edited August 6, 2014 by Galactic Soap
DoggieHowser Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 I'd get an upgrade on the SSD if you are going to use it as a regular work machine. You'll find the SSD a bit small. I'd also get a RAM upgrade to 8GB at least. Handy if you are going to use memory play and hires files. With a larger SSD, I'd partition into two or more partitions. One for regular surfing. And one specific for music server so you can remove extraneous services from the OS. You can even install Windows using Bootcamp into one of those partitions. I was able to upgrade my 2012 Retina's SSD but the new Air/Retina ones use PCIE based storage so there isn't an option to upgrade this later on. You need to order it from factory. RAM is not user upgradeable on the Air or Retina.
Benje Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Soapy I am a novice at the noise floor/power supply issues, so take my advice with great care. I understand that getting the linear power supply would be a good thing. I also note you have the Isotek products which may already be helping with the nosie floor from non-linear power supplys. Personally, i would find it a pain to have to worry about the state of the battery during a listening session, just to avoid the use of a particular power supply. Can I suggest that once you have your new rig, that you test the sound with the mac book connected to the power system via isotek, and also to it just running on battery. If you hear a difference, then contemplate your next move. If you don't hear a difference, take the easy path and run the music off the mains, not the battery. benje
davewantsmoore Posted August 6, 2014 Posted August 6, 2014 Can you guys confirm or deny if I’m on the right path, and if necessary debunk any of the myths above? Would an Macbook Air running Windows via Bootcamp with the following specs perform the role of media server appropriately: Processor: i5 1.7 Ghz RAM: 4GB SSD: 128 GB Lastly, I'm leaning towards the Mac's because of their superior build quality. Yes. Buy more RAM and storage if it fits in your budget.
blybo Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Don't the new Air's have much better battery than the previous generation? Ie. 8-10 hours compared to the one I have which only lasts 3-4 hours just surfing etc... That was fine for my original needs as a travel laptop but not as a permanent media server solution. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
PCOWandre Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Linear power supply for a laptop is just burning money; they're full of switch mode supplies to provide power for *everything*. To get the right voltages for the SSD, CPU, screen, general electronics from either battery or the single-voltage wall supply requires a lot of conversion. If those internal supplies were all linear, the Air would weight an extra kilo or two and would have a very short battery life. If you want to spend some solid cash on worrying about laptop power supply noise, isolate it with fibre: http://www.blackbox.com.au/Store/Detail.aspx/USB-Ultimate-Extender-over-Multimode-Fiber-4-Port/IC404A As a bonus, you can put your laptop a long way away from the stereo ;-)
greigw Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) Hi GS, FYI. I've owned a 2012 Air i7 with 256gb ssd and 4mb ram, a 2012 MBP with 4mb ram and with 500gb disc drive, and a 2014 MBP retina with 8 MBP ram with 512gb ssd. Both MBPs sounded better than the air. The retina MBP is a nicer unit to use than the older MBP (and is considerably smaller), but I haven't tested to see if the MBPs sound different. All were 13". I also use these for work and would take a MBP over the Air. The retina MBP is not much heavier, not as wide, and way more powerful than the Air. Cheers, GW. Edited August 7, 2014 by greigw
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 If you're going to run Windows, get a PC brand laptop, generally better value for money IMO.
Addicted to music Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 If you're going to run Windows, get a PC brand laptop, generally better value for money IMO. Nothing comes close to a MacBook Pro, pick one up and check it out, it's built to perfection, no imperfections, i7, 500GB SSD. 16GB RAM, retina display placed in a metal chassis. Possible the thinness and lightest laptop in its class, has upto 7hrs of battery on internet surfing. Nothing comes close. SQ out of the headphones is better than most. No moving parts except for the fan. Never have to shut it off and rarely do you get the "non responding" message. Pick up a Lenovo and the covers do not line up, the self adhesive has come unstuck in certain areas around the display and window is windows. Has 6hrs battery life on an i5 version, the screen is yuk to look at. Only problem with Mac is it doesn't run NTFS, f-/&ing Apple!
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) If you're going to run Windows, get a PC brand laptop, generally better value for money IMO. I think that in general everything is worse value than a MacBook Air + Windows @ $1300 ... but it all depends on the budget Edited August 7, 2014 by davewantsmoore
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 There's certainly cheaper 13" Windows laptops than a Macbook Air + Windows .... but I'm not sure about better value when you look at the details. That's why I said "generally".
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) Nothing comes close to a MacBook Pro, pick one up and check it out, it's built to perfection, no imperfections, i7, 500GB SSD. 16GB RAM, retina display placed in a metal chassis. Possible the thinness and lightest laptop in its class, has upto 7hrs of battery on internet surfing. Nothing comes close. SQ out of the headphones is better than most. No moving parts except for the fan. Never have to shut it off and rarely do you get the "non responding" message. Pick up a Lenovo and the covers do not line up, the self adhesive has come unstuck in certain areas around the display and window is windows. Has 6hrs battery life on an i5 version, the screen is yuk to look at. Only problem with Mac is it doesn't run NTFS, f-/&ing Apple! I guess one would have to compare it against the best most luxurious laptops and there's quite a few around. Build quality is just one aspect to a laptop. Seems like you're the kind of guy who likes speakers based on their looks more than their performance Oh and if you don't have a copy of windows, you'll need to fork out on that with the Mac too. Edited August 7, 2014 by Satanica
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 That's why I said "generally". Ok. I'll edit my post to reduce any confusion.
a.dent Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Nothing comes close to a MacBook Pro, pick one up and check it out, it's built to perfection, no imperfections, i7, 500GB SSD. 16GB RAM, retina display placed in a metal chassis. Possible the thinness and lightest laptop in its class, has upto 7hrs of battery on internet surfing. Nothing comes close. SQ out of the headphones is better than most. No moving parts except for the fan. Never have to shut it off and rarely do you get the "non responding" message. Pick up a Lenovo and the covers do not line up, the self adhesive has come unstuck in certain areas around the display and window is windows. Has 6hrs battery life on an i5 version, the screen is yuk to look at. +1 Only problem with Mac is it doesn't run NTFS, f-/&ing Apple! Simply install Tuxera and NTFS runs seamlessly 1
BATMAQN Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 The noise generated by a Mac is a myth the only time you can hear the hard drive working is when there is dead quiet in the room, I've had this setup going for around 12 months first a 17" 2009 Macbook Pro with a normal hard drive and then a 15" 2008 Macbook Pro again a normal hard drive crucify me if you like but I've never had any noise issues with the power cord or battery or standard hard drives if you ask me people are just trying too hard to find a fault, Apple machines are perfectly suitable as music servers I don't know what else you want to use the laptop for regarding work that will be your only consideration if you need to upgrade Ram or video card capability as far as a music server goes they work straight out of the box I've had several SNA members listen to my system and not one has said "gee I can really hear the noise from the computer" I'm not here to bag out Windows machines or anything else it's just my experience with Apple you won't be disappointed. And yes I am an Apple fan and proud of it. 1
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) I think that in general everything is worse value than a MacBook Air + Windows @ $1300 ... but it all depends on the budget Sure that might be what you think. But I reckon at that price you can find a PC laptop having a quicker processor + graphics processor with more RAM and a bigger HDD. But of course people have different priorities when it comes to purchases. Edited August 7, 2014 by Satanica
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) I'd be interested know what. Core i5 < 1.5kg 13" high quality screen Fast wireless and SSD I find that the equivalent models from other vendors are actually more expensive (and often IMO not as good either). EDIT: For example, the corresponding system from Dell has more RAM, less storage, worse graphics/CPU, and is $1700 ... Model from ASUS are only $100 more than the MBA Edited August 7, 2014 by davewantsmoore
Addicted to music Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 I guess one would have to compare it against the best most luxurious laptops and there's quite a few around. Build quality is just one aspect to a laptop. Seems like you're the kind of guy who likes speakers based on their looks more than their performance Oh and if you don't have a copy of windows, you'll need to fork out on that with the Mac too. No need for a copy of W7, I have a Lenovo x240 provided by work. I wouldn't go around bagging the performance of a MacBook, there was a comparison done and the Over the counter Apple Air i5 punches far above its weight, with w7 loaded it out did some i7 laptops. The advantage of full SSD and it runs dead silent; no moving parts until the fan kicks in.
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Oh and if you don't have a copy of windows, you'll need to fork out on that with the Mac too. FWIW - This is why I've priced the Air at $1300 ($1200 BMA + $100 Windows)
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 FWIW - This is why I've priced the Air at $1300 ($1200 BMA + $100 Windows) That would be + $200 for Windows Pro.
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 I'd be interested know what. Core i5 < 1.5kg 13" high quality screen Fast wireless and SSD I find that the equivalent models from other vendors are actually more expensive (and often IMO not as good either). EDIT: For example, the corresponding system from Dell has more RAM, less storage, worse graphics/CPU, and is $1700 ... Model from ASUS are only $100 more than the MBA Sure if you limit yourself to those parameters then the Mac Air might come out on top. But if you're prepared to be flexible on weight and screen size the options open up ENORMOUSLY!
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 No need for a copy of W7, I have a Lenovo x240 provided by work. I wouldn't go around bagging the performance of a MacBook, there was a comparison done and the Over the counter Apple Air i5 punches far above its weight, with w7 loaded it out did some i7 laptops. The advantage of full SSD and it runs dead silent; no moving parts until the fan kicks in. You are aware that PC laptops can run with a SSD?
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Sure, but weight and screen size are practically the definition of this market segment. My point is (probably not lost) that people say "macs are generally more expensive" .... but when you look at (especially the MBA) equivalents in that market segment, Apple is actually the best value (if not outright cheapest) 1
davewantsmoore Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 You are aware that PC laptops can run with a SSD? Yes, but they generally don't have PCIe SSDs AFAIAA
Satanica Posted August 7, 2014 Posted August 7, 2014 Sure, but weight and screen size are practically the definition of this market segment. My point is (probably not lost) that people say "macs are generally more expensive" .... but when you look at (especially the MBA) equivalents in that market segment, Apple is actually the best value (if not outright cheapest) It depends on what people want, I just think the OP souldn't go rushing into spending that kinda dosh without looking around at other options. At the moment the only parameter specified was "build quality".
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