This may not be a good advice, especially wrt OS updates. Security is a big concern, and not all problems are obvious, you don’t know what you don’t know, the existing problem that you don’t know is still a problem.
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I had the 8GB mini going with BACCH and it was stressed out. Capable, but I don’t advise it. Even with the minimal features of the intro package, it was at least a bit too much for the little fella. For that and a couple of other small reasons (like struggling to figure out a PST/SACD solution using the mini), I opted for a refund at this time. As I told Edgar, I’ll swoop back around later to play. But yeah, I was using the same mac mini that gleefully runs my entire DIRAC suite of tools for the HT (which is the fullest package). I’ve been spending lots of time with that software and room. Enjoy!
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Thanks @aangen and @Vmax
I was considering the 32Gb RAM option; over-spec, not under. If I lived in the USA (110V), I’d consider getting a preconfigured Mac Mini, but I live in Australia (240V), so there are shipping and voltage considerations. In any case, Edgar can guide me once I’ve got all the gear.
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Talk to Edgar before you buy gear. He may be able to ship you what you need. You cannot be the first Aussie to try this out. Can you?
I had my adio for quite a long time and I never did OS updates. For the longest time I did not know there was a Mac Mini inside the adio. I understand your thoughts and concerns. I appreciate your taking the time to share them.
But I’m going to ignore them and live dangerously. Nobody writes viruses for Mac. To few to bother with, go after the PCs. (kidding)
Can you elaborate more on this? I was thinking that the BabyFace Pro could allow every source component (TT/prePhono and/or CD transport) working with BACCH.
The BabyFace Pro has the main purpose of providing Microphone inputs for The Bacch4Mac Mac Mini. It also has a Toslink input, as well as a pair of quarter inch jack stereo inputs. The PST needs to have a converter between it and the BabyFace Pro. Most likely SPDIF to Toslink. That is how I have my Grimm MU1 connected to the BabyFace Pro.
The BACCH-SP dio and the BACCH-SP adio have SPDIF inputs as well as Analog, both Balanced and UnBalanced, and USB if my memory serves me.
I don’t remember what outputs the PST has other than I2S.
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AES/EBU / I2S / SPDIF ~ no Toslink if I remember well.
So the BFP needs to be connected to the MacMini via USB and the MacMini goes via USB to the DAC. Got it.
While the MacMini needs only a Internet connection (router/switch) for streaming - Qobuz by Roon installed on the MacMini itself and if you have a NAS/server.
The path has necessarily to pass through the MacMini, the BFP offers only inputs for mics and PrePhono. A pretty unconventional and radical choice in an hi-end environment indeed.
A streamer like my Innuos Statement shouldn’t be used anymore (it has only USB output so it couldn’t go via optical to the BFP).
I’m starting to understand the general picture.
Many thanks.
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@luca.pelliccioli BACCH and (by far most) RME devices work in PCM too. So anyone with DSD files need to convert them into PCM. I use HQPlayer to convert mine and have them pop up inside the Mac Mini via HQP-NAA and Existential Audio’s BlackHole into SF4BACCH.
You can also Toslink out from the Babyface to your DAC. Does not have to be USB out from the Mac. Edgar says it is fine to go up to 24-192 for this. Though I found 24-96 to be more reliable for me and some of his comments above still refer to 24-96 being the general BACCH4Mac concept. Which is plenty reliable with fiber, which also means no ground loop worries.
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Though perhaps Al has never had his gear disappear into customs clearance for a month and a half during a staff shortage.
Generally, do not allow MacOS upgrades until you hear from Theoretica that it is OK. A prog of mine let the upgrade run and it was good that I had a Time Machine backup to go back to the prior level with my latest filters.
Definitely get at least 16GB RAM. I have 32GB. Though the memory usage visible via the Mac Mini’s Activity Monitor has never gone above 12GB. I have ORC on right now and am using only 10.5GB, including 4.5GB of cached files. So maybe 32GB is more than enough. Certainly Memory Pressure is satisfyingly very green.
Question for all you folks running 16GB RAM, with BACCH+ORC up and running, what does the Mac’s Activity Monitor report for your Memory Pressure? If green, then 16GB will do… at least for the present software.
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Edgar does not support DSD with his devices. He doesn’t believe in it. Fun.
Thanks @Carousel
Another concern is that I could get hit with 10% GST tax through customs, so I’m going to get my Mac Mini in Australia
Regards
Phil
BACCH only permits PCM (and not DSD) through the program?
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I’m almost ready to pull the trigger, got confirmation that the audio delay is 81msec. Audiophile Junkie told me he uses YouTube without noticing any sync issue. Can someone confirm this anecdotal for me? Especially vocal videos with clear head/lip shot of the singer to see if there’s any perceived audio desync.
Thanks ahead! This forum once again cost me money lol. Never ends.
@akro Correct. Is normal for DSP programs not to support DSD.
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this means not SACD, must use CD/redbook layer of SACD discs
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Though if you have the SACDs already ripped to DSF files, then a sufficiently powerful server / program, even Roon, can downscale to 24-96 to feed to BACCH on the Mac Mini. It is worth it.
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Happy Cake Day @luca.pelliccioli
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Thanks, Baldy! Wow 3 years in this crazy place!
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Yes time flies and your presence here is greatly appreciated.
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