Just curious, is it better to use an external SSD rather than the internal ssd of a Mac mini? I am planning to get the M4 or the M4 pro mini and use as the Roon server (connected directly to the DAC). Should I plan on using an external drive from the beginning? My library is only 150 GB right now.
It’s just cheaper, but with 150 GB (or a few times as much) you won’t have a limitation with the internal SSD of the base model.
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Given the price of storage Apple charges, an external SSD is much more cost effective but uses one of your USB ports. You will have to make that determination, but I use external drives for my W11 Roon Server.
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Thank you for the quick reply. I really enjoy this forum. I’ll be glad to share my experiences when finally set up.
I’m concerned with fan noise from these machines (M4 or M4 pro Mac mini). I only intend to listen to music with the computer and not multitask. I anticipate using a lot of equalization and experimenting with DSP. Why should I be or not be worried about fan noise? I have some recordings of solo instrumentalists with “deafening” silence. I would hate to have the fan kicking in all the time. Thanks so much for the info!
According to all accounts in the existing Mini threads, the fans are off or virtually inaudible in normal operation. Depending on your DSP. If you intend to upsample to DSD512 you may make them heard, I guess.
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The only DSP that I am using is volume leveling. But with both my current Roon Server (M1 MacBook Pro) as my old one (2014 Mac Mini) I have never heard their fans kick in.
When it comes to storage, I have always opted for external storage. I’m using a 2 tb external USB HD for my 1.5 tb library. It is barely audible. But it would be completely silent if I were to replace it with an external SSD.
Thanks! I have been reading them here.There are other reports on the general web (non-Roon) of fan noise.