Computer Audio Asylum

Has anyone done this?

76.179.183.83

Jim Austin

Thinking about setting up a Mac Mini-based audio server, using USB out and a high-quality USB DAC. But I would like to avoid video screens. I'm wondering if anyone has ever done something like this--maybe there's even dedicated software for it--using a remote iPad to control the Mac Mini.

?

Thanks,
Jim

Follow Ups:

RE: Has anyone done this? - mhardyman 14:34:32 09/16/13 (0)
Sonos can do this but it would require buying a Connect unit. Mac Mini > Connect > DAC via Toslink or digital RCA. This way you can expand. Only one Sonos unit would need to be hardwired via ethernet but all others could be wireless.

Interesting side note is that all Macs have a Toslink buried inside their analog out headset jack.

Apple has done their damndest not to mention this but it has been true for at least five years!

The Sonos app is quite sweet and works on Macs, iPads and iPhones.

Why does everyone insist on a USB DAC?
I have and then some.... - AbeCollins 10:48:27 09/16/13 (1)
There are several Apps that allow you to see and remotely control the entire Mac desktop from your iPhone, iPad, or laptop. It is easier on the iPad or laptop as the screen real estate is larger so you're not staring at tiny icons and text.

However, it is much easier yet to have a huge local screen attached to the Mac Mini. I use my large Sony LED/LCD TV attached to the Mac Mini via HDMI and control it using a bluetooth keyboard/mouse from my sofa.

When I want to go 'headless' I just turn OFF the TV.

With the TV OFF I can run my setup as follows:

- With Home Sharing enabled, use laptop, iPad, or iPhone to control iTunes & Audirvana on Mac Mini from anywhere in the house.

Using the iPad built-in Music App to control music library on Mac Mini

With the TV ON I can use iPhone, iPad, or laptop to control Music Videos or Movies. Or use the wireless bluetooth keyboard/mouse.

Using the iPad built-in Video App to control music videos and my own family videos for playback on the Mac Mini

Using iPad built-in Movie App to control movies for playback on my Mac Mini
(or stored on my iCloud account so as not to waste local disk storage.

Apple compact bluetooth keyboard
- Thanks! - Jim Austin 18:44:35 09/16/13 (0)
  Much to consider.
  
  Jim
RE: Has anyone done this? - ted_b 09:52:37 09/16/13 (1)
I would say most audiophiles who use the Mac Mini as their music server do indeed use it headless, yes. It is the defacto standard for less noise, fewer drivers, etc. There are hundreds of posts about it over on Computer Audiophile, or even here on AA.

When I used the Mini for music server I used LogMeIn as my VNC (for headless operation from the iPad). Other iPad VNC's include Splashtop and Screens.
- Brilliant, thanks. - Jim Austin 09:54:17 09/16/13 (0)
  I've been thinking about this for a while, but it never occurred to me that one might go "headless". Until this weekend. Obviously a brand new project for me.
  
  Thanks again,
  
  Jim

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