Seems all that is needed is USB2

Tinkering
1

I recently set up a Late 2009 Mac mini 3,1 with Catalina 10.15.7. Yea, I know that’s not supposed to be possible … but it is running Roon server 1.8 and Audirvana 3.5.40. Music library is DSD and Flac 96KHz+ on a Sandisk Extreme Pro USB 3.2 1Tb (formatted FAT32).

Since high res audio only requires a USB type B cable to feed a DAC, this is the technical minimum you need to run Audirvana, and it also runs Roon Server!

Mini_2769s
Mini_2769s1024×762 118 KB

version_sm
(upload://hgXOguv2y82T5aNFkepf8N6Ghbu.jpeg)
RoonSvr_2803
RoonSvr_28031280×493 66.1 KB

If anyone is interested on how this is done, let me know. I may make a How-To video.

1 Like
2

I moved this to the Tinkering category as it seems to be the most suitable location for it.
:+1:

3

Well done but please be aware that you may only be an update away from Roon breaking.

1 Like
4

Here is my How-To video on how I did it: Hi Res audio on an extreme budget - YouTube