I tried going bitstream and then could get the DAC to see DSD, but it was garbled under a storm of digital noise. And it wasn’t converting to DSD to the DAC - the DAC saw only PCM. Finally I got sound! But I couldn’t play DSD files, only PCM based FLAC and MP3. I modified the settings here and there, experimenting as I went along. Awesome! I then set up JRiver with the appropriate settings and… Nothing. I plugged the DAC into the Mac and it recognized the DAC and installed the driver. Much easier! I then saw various tutorials about setting up JRiver on a Mac and was on my way. Anyway, So I installed JRiver on the Mac Mini using my flatscreen as a monitor. Needless to say if it works, it takes a better man than me to set it up properly that way. I hadn’t thought through the complicated nature of wireless keyboards and mice under said configuration. Apple, can you please make it easier to use a iMac as the monitor while setting up a Mac Mini? I thought it would be as simple as connecting the thunderbolt cable between the two and hitting cmd+F2 and I could use the iMac monitor off of the Mini. I thought about Audirvana, but I’m not wild about using iTunes with it (I actually hate iTunes with every fiber of my being, if I’m being honest, but that’s neither here nor there). Why JRiver? First of all it is pretty ubiquitous, has a good sonic reputation, and it handles DSD files. Once I bought the Mac I integrated it with my Yamaha pre - sans DAC- (I know, I know - about to get an Anthem, hence the need to save $$ on the DAC) and installed JRiver. That and the low profile appeal to me, not to mention that I run a Mac network in the house. I just figured that a Mac would make this process a little simpler (theoretically) since it already is plug and play with NuWave DAC driver. Why a mini? I’m fairly agnostic WRT to Mac/PC. True, it didn’t have all the bells and whistles of it’s big brother, but it was reported to put out great sound, so I was game.įirst I bought a Mac Mini as my platform for my media server. More in my price range was the NuWave DSD DAC. That lead me to the DirectStream DAC, which, while seemingly amazing and would be able to fulfill my desire to preserve and play my vinyl digital-style, was a touch out of my price range. I then started to really think about recording all my vinyl (and other people’s, for that matter) in DSD format to preserve the vinyl-ness as much as possible and wouldn’t have to spin so many records and wear them out, etc. So after getting the PS NuWave DSD Phono converter, I was a believer in PS Audio.

Jriver mac