I guess it’s not the Mac mini per se that gives me pause.
Rather, for example, I am wondering if the analogue output signal of my DAC of choice is taken in and acted upon by the BACCH systems, or do I have to forgo my DAC and rely on BACCH for all digital processing.
Apologies for not (yet) grasping the basics of what is being offered here…
In my experience, and in one word, yes. Bacch renders upstream equipment differences moot. In your case, you would go USB to your DS dac, and live happy that way.
I also have arc in my second system: there is no comparing both. It will be the best 5k invested in your stereo setup.
Thanks for this. I didn’t know this was available. Downloaded it and trying now. After tuning I’m at 20, where I can clearly hear the noise coming from L and R side of me. My room isn’t perfectly symmetrical, based on the drawing I would say I’m more a 40-50 rather than 20.
So far I noticed the effects, vocal is thinned out with deeper stage, overall sound stage definitely expanded. At times specifically low bass notes it does sound a bit artificial. Potential is there for sure, processing seems to be fast enough on my m2 8gb mini without annoying lip sync.
I’m on the fence. Good thing there is a trial, but my biggest obstacle is really switching audio listening workflow from windows to Mac. I don’t like Mac lol.
So, with this configuration all of the DSP-ing is done upstream of your DAC and then converted to analogue by the DS MK2. That means any of the performance “benefits” of the DAC are preserved, no?
I am also using JRMC. That would likely be my use case for my streaming from my network. I also use Qobuz via Roon. Wonder how that source/management software might join the party…?
It wouldn’t be different than using DSP within Roon (i.e. MUSE), which I always thought made Ted cringe a little bit. Not to suggest his thoughts on this brand of DSP.
I went with the bacch4mac. It appeared to me as the most convenient one. You run Roon, or whatever playback/library management software directly in the same Mac mini, and forget about these things.
I don’t think it’s that “bad” at all, just that it isn’t advised and there’s no manual for the intro package last I checked. The Jriver option might make it considerably easier – I don’t use Jriver. Anyway, Imma digress. Enjoy!!