Quality of Intel MacMini audio

SigENeaT · 01-11-2007, 06:34 AM

Hey gang!

Like everyone else who loves quality in their car; i plan on chucking a Core Duo mini into this: http://romulus.ath.cx/soarer/target33.html

Anywhoo! I initially wanted to take an advantage of the optical out for sound however quickly realised that i dont need the 5.1 output so the extra costs involved in the appropriate amps and cabling isnt worth it for what i like.

That leaves me with the standard stereo analog output.

I have seen just as many people write posts on how they have used USB based sound cards as those who used the standard onboard sound which leaves me a little confused as to what the "better" option would be (aiming for quality here!).

Does anyone know what the quality of the audio processor for the ol' Mac Mini is?
If its anything like what Apple has stuck in iPods then it must be semi decent; i have seen articles which rate iPods on a similar level to good quality tube amplifiers!

Cheers guys.

Bugbyte · 01-11-2007, 08:44 AM

I've used both the Epia M10000 and the Mac Mini and the onboard audio in both. The Mini's is much better than the Epia's. If you are not a super-audiophile, you will most likely not be disappointed.

I'd advise that you plan on trying it out first with the analog output. If you're disappointed, you can always add the USB device later. Most of the Mac installs that add the USB devices do so because they need to do front/rear fading or something a little more sophisticated than you can do with the onboard audio and outputs rather than because of the sound quality.

iamgnat · 01-11-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by SigENeaT

I have seen just as many people write posts on how they have used USB based sound cards as those who used the standard onboard sound which leaves me a little confused as to what the "better" option would be (aiming for quality here!).

Some of us (Intels) have had issues with using the headphone jack (audio output went back to the internal speaker after waking from sleep until the line was physically removed and reinserted). This only seems to happen in the car on the P1900. I don't know if this is still going on (e.g. newer Minis or P1900s), but I haven't seen anyone complain about it in a while.

The answer for us was to use an USB sound card of some sort.

As BugByte said, it really depends on how much of an audiophile you are. With a simple stereo output (internal or USB) you have to split up the channels (assuming you are going directly to AMPs) and have no front/rear fade control or timing control. With a 5.1 card, you have better control over you listening experience (I want 5.1, but my card doesn't have Intel drivers so i'm stuck with a split headphone).

-dave

SigENeaT · 01-11-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

If you are not a super-audiophile, you will most likely not be disappointed.

Perfect! Cheers mate.

I would expect a semi decent amp would 'clean' up any crummy audio signals also.
However like you said its a sinch to add in some super duper USB card later (morso as im planning to have the Mac removable).

Thanks for your post as well iamgnat; i'll certainly keep that in mind!

I guess like all things new and brilliant in tech there is no 100% perfect method! =P