Thanks for the info…
… Not sure I would consider a M4 mini as I’d want 10gbe and more ram for zfs, and paying more for that I’m better off with a Studio. Not to mention the mini bandwidth is low compared to the max models.
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M1 max = slower single core, higher memory bandwidth 400gb/s
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M4 = faster single core, really low memory bandwidth 120gb/s
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M4 Pro = faster single core, low(ish) memory bandwidth 273gb/s
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M4 max = faster single core and higher memory bandwidth 546gb/s (win,win) and 10gbe.
I left out the ultras as they are too expensive.
Looks like the M4 Max may be the pick.
… but I guess for now the May with correction and lots of filter and modulator options at 256 and limited choices at 512 with M1 Max is not too shabby… 
I found a big improvement in sound getting the core off the mini and onto a separate machine. With RoonServer and hqplayer on the same M1 Max, I was noticing higher frequencies almost sounded harsh or distorted, especially female vocals. Not sure what that was all about. Roon dsp is on bypass, and hqplayer limit is -4. Convolution is disabled. Not sure if it’s just separating the two but with the core now it’s own Linux machine it feels zippier and the harsh sound is gone.
I have love hate feelings for Apple, lately more hate than love, but quite impressed at what is being accomplished.
I do love combination of roon, hqplayer, some kick ass filters and modulators, dac correction and the May.
