Hey
@Angsty, happy to share some of my observations.
Recommended Mac Mini configuration:
- An older model, not M2, is preferrable. In my experience with the new Mini, HDMI isn't reliable and Thunderbolt/USB-C connectors are probably not available on most TVs. HDMI on my older Mini worked better.
- Since it will primarily run only Audirvana, you don't need much memory but a large hard disk is useful if you have lots of high-res files.
- Install Audirvana or Roon (I have no experience with Roon).
Recommended DAC
- after some trial & error I settled on iFi Zen Signature... under $1000 it's a solid performer. Nice features (it can ran balanced or single ended) and good quality sound. It has a volume control, so it can effectively work as preamp (that's how I run it before I got Schiit Freya).
- I had other DACs too which didn't work out: Danafrips Ares II (nice sound but frequent sound issues when used in work meetings) and Cambridge Audio 200m (didn't sound as good as Zen Signature).
Add ons:
- iFi USB Type-A Ground Loop Breaker (in my case, the filter noticeably improved the sound)
- Wireless keyboard with trackpad
- Quality cables (USB, HDMI, etc.)
What to expect re: sound quality: if running Audirvana on Mac Mini in hardware controlled sound mode (a setting in Audirvana) along with a quality DAC you should expect the quality of sound on the same level with most dedicated streamers (under $1000). My Mac Mini almost never crashed. I doubt yours will too. BTW, I still have my old Mac Mini (16gb of memory (probably an overkill) and 1TB hard disk) and was gonna put it on eBay - if it's of any interest, PM me