How to use a C2Duo Mini as a media streamer?

[Giuanniello]

I own two C2Duo minis, one of them got a treatment where I upgraded the CPU to 2.33Ghz if I recall correct, just for the fun of it but they both sit unused and thought to use one, maybe by upgrading to an SSD, as a media server for both audio (mainly .FLAC) and movies (which are actually streamed through a NAS).

Is there a way to connect the Mini straight to the HI-FI (which I'd do either through USB to a DAC or through RCA out to a LINE IN onto a preamp) without to have to use a screen to access the content? The ones I own don't have an HDMI out to connect it to the TV screen and as such I don't want to complicate things but rather simplify other than the NAS (which I access through an ATV4 and Infuse as a streamer for video but don't use for FLAC since I don't know of any streamer for audio not to mention I read that it would downsample the bitrate).

Any hint welcome

Grazie

 

[gp313]

The ones I own don't have an HDMI out to connect it to the TV screen [...]

That's very easy: just buy an HDMI-DVI adapter for a few bucks or a cable; as, e.g., http://amzn.eu/d/baemyD6

 

[Giuanniello]

I got the cable suggested above, limitation of the Mini being the max OS being 10.7 if I recall correct, I read somewhere about a way to upgrade to 10.8 which I think I need if I want to run software to play flac audio files on the Mini.

I am thorn at if to upgrade to an SSD which will rip off about 90 euros or if to save and wait to get an used but easier upgradeable Mini like a 2012 model which runs in the 300 euros range.

Thanks

 

[ElectronGuru]

Get it setup to the point that the only problem is speed, THEN look at upgrades like ssd.

Lots of cheap ssd on eBay, especially under 256

 

[Giuanniello]

Any idea how could I remotely control the Mini to, say, play music through VOX or similar player without to have to use a mouse? I have the Mini's tiny remote but dunno if it can be of any help for the purpose, maybe an iPhone app...

Grazie

 

[Giuanniello]

I found a compatible 2GB memory module and a 500GB hard drive, will try and put it all together and if it works I will convert the FLAC library to either ALAC or AAC (which one you think does better?) and connect it to the TV screen through a DVI to HDMI cable I have (which I know being working with the Mini) and then figure how to make it work without a keyboard permanently attached.

Best

Giovanni

 

[zoomp]

I would try to run Roonlabs roonserver with it, then you can setup roonpoints all over the house. Roon is a amazing piecemof software, it made me rediscover my library.

Also, take a look at computeraudiophile forum. They are constantly building setups for audio.

 

[Giuanniello]

The Mini is almost ready to go take its spot next to the TV screen and stereo system, I am also converting music from FLAC to ALAC so that I can begin with iTunes but I am still wondering how can I control the Mini without to keep the TV screen on and a mouse attached to it (mouse not too big of a deal, TV on bothers me when listening to music).

Any idea?

Grazie