I just tried 5.11.2 on my MM M1, not M4, and I can do 44.1k/48 with ext3 and convolution → 7EC-fast @ DSD512x48. 192k with gauss-hires + convolution. Dac correction is a no go though - looks like that needs the M4. Unless you really need the longer (sinc) filters makes one question the need for a larger PC build + GPU. Most impressive.
Those E-core spikes are likely some OS activity or maybe some other application I was using, not related to HQPlayer. MacOS decides what it puts where, so applications don’t really have control over what goes to which core.
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Yes, 5.11.2.
Could be network issue to a NAA? ASDM7EC-fast shouldn’t be an issue for M4. At least not for mine…
I went over to my local Apple Store and grabbed a base MacMini M4 to test out its limits. No issue with 44.1/48/96/192k and default filters + convolution → 7EC-fast @ DSD512 with Dac correction. Even able to do ext3 and sinc-Lh at 1x. Fantastic performance for $500.
Shame that the e-cores cannot be pinned down to maximize use for the longer filters. Or that Apple doesn’t have useable API’s for the GPU cores.
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Do the same settings work for 24/48 material?
Yes, with caveat that my DAC supports 48k.
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How’s the noise level of M4 mac mini under load?
In my office during my testing with Mac Mini M4 on the floor and me sitting besides it, I cannot hear anything from it. My office is not totally quiet though, with my Xeon workstation running. But it certainly hasn’t been one of those hair dryer sounding mini computers…
Apple doesn’t support High Power Mode on the base model, so it likely never gets loud. It is possible that the M4Pro model gets loud under high load in particular if set to high power mode. My 14" MacBook Pro with M1Max doesn’t have high power mode, but certainly still gets loud under highest loads. But Max has much higher TDP overall.
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So currently I’m running a trial of embedded via USB boot on an old 7i5 NUC just to experience it on my Schiit Yggdrasil at PCM192. Very much enjoying playing with filters. But I have a Holo Cyan inbound.
So is the base M2 mini (8GB) the best deal for getting into DSD256 with most filters right now and DSD512 with a few short filters? ($350 refurb on amazon right now) If I’m reading correctly, there’s just not a lot of upside to be gained without going to far far more expensive hardware?
Thanks.
Spend a bit more and get the M4 with 16gb ram. It’s absolutely worth it. I also have a M1 base and M4 Base.
Jussi,
Is your base Mac Mini M4 configured with 16Gb of RAM?
Base MM M4 comes with 16Gb standard now. For ~ $500 it’s really hard to go wrong.
I agree although the price has gone up to $599 on the Apple web site. Still a good deal.
Just looked on Amazon - $529.
Yeah MSRP has been $599 but Amazon always discounts, or you can buy at apple edu store for $499, or apple refurb for similar. HQPlayer aside, maybe the best value in all of computerdom.
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So can you share what you’re able to run on the M4 (non-pro) with 16gb? Does it do dsd512 with some filters or is it basically a dsd256 but very capable machine? Do you run your core off of it simultaneously as well?
Any other insights very very appreciated.
Thanks,
John
Default filters, ASDM7EC-fast and DAC correction (for Holo Spring 2 in my test case).
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How about ASDM7EC-fast 512+fs?
From my testing, yes. 44.1/48/96/192k and default filters + convolution → 7EC-fast 512+fs @ DSD512 with Dac correction. Even able to do ext3 and sinc-Lh at 1x. With Dac correction off I was able to do 1x —> 7EC-fast @DSD1024 with default filters during some brief testing.
Unless you want DSD1024 or longer filters at DSD512, seems like a no brainer.
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