Core Audio Technology Mac Mini Music Server With iVRM Technology

Introducing all-new configurations for 2015!

The latest Mac Mini packages from Core Audio Technology include our "Apple Juice" iVRM, which is a voltage regulator module we install inside the Mac Mini chassis for a final stage of regulation and noise reduction right at the logic board input.This improves transient response, reduces noise, improves efficiency, and increases stability and longevity. This all translates to larger soundstage, more organic character, better detail and emotional content, and increased dynamics and speed.

We now have three power supply options ranging from the $400 Kaia HL, the $1000 Kaia Gen 2, and the $2500 Kaia SE. Partnered with our new PURE SILVER impedance controlled DC Cable the sound quality available is astounding.

Our most popular package including the Mac Mini i7, Kaia Gen 2 power supply, iVRM, Silver DC Cable, Logic Board Shielding and Atomic Platform is $3550!

Stereo Mojo Review of the Mac Mini Music Server

"As performance to price ratio values go, the Core Audio server setup is pretty hard to beat as a versatile turnkey option."

Check out our new CARBON FIBER Mac Mini option for $100! Other finishes also available (Carbon Fiber, Black Pearl/Chrome, Wood Grain, Grafiti, gold plating, silver shielding paint)

Do you want this from your Audio System:

• More Organic character
• Higher resolution, blacker background
• More Immersive, bigger sound
• Larger, more holographic sound stage
• Better musical flow, pacing, and energy (More fun factor)
• Zero listening fatigue
• A Mac-Based Music Server that outperforms most, if not all, PC-based music servers

What we offer:

• Remove the internal Noisy Switching Power Supply
  
  
• Install our iVRM Voltage regulator module internally for a final stage of regulation before the logic board.


• Install our Kaia HL, Kaia Gen 2, or Kaia SE power supplies externally.
  
  
• Proprietary Cryo-Shielding technology on logic board, RAM, CPU, GPU, SSD, and chassis
• Pure Silver Impedance-controlled DC Cable
  
  
• SSD Installation, and Hard Drive Setup service
• Turnaround is usually next day!
  
• An upgradeable Music Server that doesn’t become obsolete with next-gen technology

Removing the "Mac" Sound:

Bad in = bad out.

The Mac Mini runs off a dainty little switchmode power supply. Switchmode power supplies generate tremendous amounts of noise, particularly above their switching frequency. The Majority of power supplies focus solely on low frequency noise filtration within the audio band, but examining the image below shows that the majority of noise exists outside of the audible band.

Removing this high frequency noise from the noisy power supply is step one. This noise adds or subtracts from the square wave amplitude (digital signal) in the mac mini. All signals inside the Mac Mini computer are processed in real time as a Square Wave. This square wave is an analog representation of what we call a digital signal. Any noise or voltage instability under load that exists adds or subtracts from the amplitude of the square wave. The introduction of this noise introduces harmonics into the signal that do not exist! These amplitude distortions account for the majority of the anomalies we hear in digital audio. It’s also where the "Mac" sound comes from.

*ABOUT OUR POWER SUPPLIES*

To remove this noise we replace the stock switchmode power supply with our Kaia power supply design, shield the logic board, and install a SSD. These elements plus powerful DC and AC Cabling serve to eliminate noise and create incredible performance from the Mac Mini hardware.

Shielding the logic board is critical. Because of the very fast oscillations of a computer’s CPU there are severe high frequency transients that are generated and must be damped. Not only does the computer radiate EMI, but it absorbs it from other devices in the air. This problem is solved via our proprietary cryo-shield technology.

No, this shielding doesn’t go on the case. That’s too far away from the noise source. We’re dealing with very high frequencies with very low impedance, the distance from logic board to chassis is just too great to be an effective shield. Our Cryo-Shield is our own proprietary shielding technology. This technology both absorbs and blocks EMI and is attached directly to the motherboard in key areas as well as to the internal power filter and power supply. This shield is comprised of several layers designed to block and absorb EMI between 10mhz-100ghz. The construction of the material allows for extremely fast response time, enabling a wide bandwidth filter that offers 60-70dB of noise reduction across the aforementioned bandwidth. By attaching the material directly to the chips on the motherboard EMI is more effectively absorbed and shielded. The impact is immediately noticeable.

 Why upgrade the DC Cable?

The DC Cable is a direct extension of the regulator’s output stage. So any Capacitance, Resistance, or Inductance on that wire slows transient response and decreases power supply performance. Because this cable is directly part of the output stage of the Kaia's last regulator and input stage of the iVRM its performance is MISSION CRITICAL and the first place we recommend upgrading after the iVRM is installed.

Anti-Vibration

Core Audio Technology is now offering the Atomic Audio Labs Mac Platform. This was demoed for us at RMAF 2013 and proved far more than worthy. I’d say it is certainly $350 well spent and at least as big an upgrade as upgrading to our high-end DC Cable, if not better. A must-have for any mac mini configuration and more effective than the stillpoints under the Mac Mini. The Mac Platform is designed to be out of phase with the resonant frequency of the Mac Mini, thus canceling all chassis vibration. Even using no fan and an internal SSD, the Mac Platform made a really nice improvement on our show system that everyone in the room heard. Highly recommended.

THIS LISTING IS FOR OUR RECOMMENDED PACKAGE, MODIFICATION FEE IS INCLUDED. FOR TURNKEY SOLUTIONS AND OTHER OPTIONS VISIT: http://www.coreaudiotechnology.com/products/music-servers/mac-mini-music-server/