Build A Sound System with Apple Mac Mini?

Bleu

I'm looking to build a sound system around my mac mini or buy a sound/HI-FI system and integrate my mac mini.

The vast majority of my music listening is done at home via my computer. I have recently received a new mac mini (2010 model) with HDMI port which i have connected via HDMI to a 1080p tv. Most of my Music is ripped to a 4 TB external hard drive in lossless format. Played back through Itunes.

Cost isn't really an issue but I am a complete novice with sound systems so please explain what each bit does etc if possible.

Thank you

Specs:

Audio line in minijack (digital/analog)
Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)
HDMI port supports multichannel audio output

Answer
Just get a nice computer speaker:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-2300-THX-Certified-Speaker-Subwoofer/dp/B0002SQ2P2/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1279636388&sr=1-10

How to connect Apple tv 3 to Shelf stereo?

Alexander

OK so i want to hear my music and movies through my speakers when using my apple tv via airplay with iphone 5. Im using a Sony - 700W Stereo System and Apple tv 3. The stereo only has AUX and the apple tv only has Optical. Is it possible to connect them via an adaptor or convertor. I would like for sound to come out both speakers, not just one. Also is it possible to just connect my apple tv via HDMI to my tv and then connect my stereo to the tv via AUX. My tv is Samsung 32" 720p 60Hz LED HDTV (UN32EH4003FXZC) if that helps. Tv also has HDMI and AUX. Thanks for Taking the time to Answer.

Answer
A cable alone won't do it. So what you need is an Optical to stereo RCA/phono converter Here's something on Amazon.ca for under $15 http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Optical-Analog-Converter-Adapter/dp/B005DIRI6I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390739425&sr=8-3&keywords=optical+to+stereo

If your TV has AUX sockets then they'll be for sending a signal in to the TV, not for getting the Apple ATV3 audio signal out. You can connect your ATV3 to the TV via HDMI and connect the optical via via the converter to your stereo system at the same time. This way you will be able keep both connected and choose how to watch or listen without cable swapping.

Finally, check your ATV3 user manual for how to adjust the Optical out audio setting. The default should be "stereo". This is correct for listening via a Hi-Fi. The other option is "Dolby" which is only of use when connecting to a surround system.

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How to connect Apple tv 3 to Shelf stereo?

Alexander

OK so i want to hear my music and movies through my speakers when using my apple tv via airplay with iphone 5. Im using a Sony - 700W Stereo System and Apple tv 3. The stereo only has AUX and the apple tv only has Optical. Is it possible to connect them via an adaptor or convertor. I would like for sound to come out both speakers, not just one. Also is it possible to just connect my apple tv via HDMI to my tv and then connect my stereo to the tv via AUX. My tv is Samsung 32" 720p 60Hz LED HDTV (UN32EH4003FXZC) if that helps. Tv also has HDMI and AUX. Thanks for Taking the time to Answer.

Answer
A cable alone won't do it. So what you need is an Optical to stereo RCA/phono converter Here's something on Amazon.ca for under $15 http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Optical-Analog-Converter-Adapter/dp/B005DIRI6I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390739425&sr=8-3&keywords=optical+to+stereo

If your TV has AUX sockets then they'll be for sending a signal in to the TV, not for getting the Apple ATV3 audio signal out. You can connect your ATV3 to the TV via HDMI and connect the optical via via the converter to your stereo system at the same time. This way you will be able keep both connected and choose how to watch or listen without cable swapping.

Finally, check your ATV3 user manual for how to adjust the Optical out audio setting. The default should be "stereo". This is correct for listening via a Hi-Fi. The other option is "Dolby" which is only of use when connecting to a surround system.

What are some alternatives to Apple TV?

Yahoo! Use

I've lot of music on iTunes and like to display on TV and play the music over my home theater system. I should be able to navigate to albums, artists, play lists etc easily. Extra's like viewing photos, videos is a plus. More than 160 GB of hard drive is a plus.

Answer
Do you have an iPod Touch or iPhone? Another Apple product worth considering is the Airport Express, which wirelessly streams music from iTunes to a remote set of speakers (you can hook it up to your home theater inputs):

http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colsblo04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0015YJOK2

It costs under $100, and you can use your iPod Touch/iPhone as a wireless remote (with the "Remote" app) where you can browse albums with a flick and enter text searches using the virtual keyboard. Since it uses your computers iTunes and your computer's hard drive, you can easily get around the 160 GB mark.

It won't display the track information on your TV, but it will on your "Remote".

Sonos is another music-only system that is much more expensive, but more versatile. It handles music from not only iTunes, but internet radio, CD players, etc.

http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colsblo04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002GU5YN0

The XBox 360 can stream iTunes if you have Connect360. You'll get games and video that way, but the interface isn't as clean as Apple TV:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2007/05/stream-your-itunes-library-to-an-xbox-360.ars

I understand the PS3 can too with the proper add-in:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/vuze-brings-online-video-to-game-consoles-portable-media-player/

That said, I have several of the devices I mentioned, including the Apple TV, and I think the Apple TV is a very strong choice! For music it's okay (controllable with an iPod Touch/iPhone, in ways even better than the Airport Express), but for movie rentals, TV shows, YouTube, and free Video Podcasts, there's nothing better IMO. It's rumored that there may be a new version of the device coming out soon, as well.

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How to connect Apple tv to speakers?

best speaker system apple tv image

John

Ive been looking for a cord to connect my apple tv 2 to my speakers that have a headphone-like jack for the input. I've heard it's supposed to be a toslink cable from the apple tv but how would I connect it to these speakers?

Answer
You would have to run it through a receiver if you don't have HMDI or optical on those speakers. The AppleTV is designed to hook up to a home theater system, not a pair of standalone speakers.

how can i listen to ipad's contents through surround sound system connected to tv using apple tv?

tortilla2g

I was able to configure apple tv and can play music from my library and mirror ipad/ipod through my tv. My tv is connected to a receiver via hdmi cable (hdmi 1) and then to my surround sound speakers. I have to connect apple tv to another hdmi port (hdmi 2). so how can i listen to apple tv through my surround sound speakers?

Answer
All of your devices (cable box, dvd player, apple tv, etc) should be plugged into the receiver via HDMI inputs, then the HDMI output of the receiver should go to the TV. If you configure it like this, then you can easily switch between your various sources on your receiver and it will send the video to the TV and audio to the speakers.

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How do I get sound to my home theatre system from three different sources?

best speaker system apple tv image

tfg20

I have a Sony Home Theatre System DAV-DV170 which has 1 HDMI output, TV/Cable digital in optical/coaxial, component video out, video out, tv/cable audio in....hook up. I have a Sony KDL-40v250 TV which has 2 HDMI inputs, digital out optical, audio out (VAR/FIX), and a couple of other input options.

I'd like to hook up my cable (AT&T Uverse), XBOX 360, and Apple TV and have the sound go through my home Theatre system. However, with my current set-up I only get my cable sound to my home theatre system.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Since your tv only has 2 HDMI inputs you will need to get an HDMI switch; can be found here http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=hdmi+switch&sprefix=HDMI+sw%2Caps%2C188 Plug everything into that. Then plug in an optical cable to the tv and the other end of the optical cable into the HT. Otherwise You need a real Receiver and seperate speakers.

What kind of Receiver should I use?

Jose

So, I'm a newbie a this. My home has 12 build-in speakers on the ceilings by Bose. 4 outside, 2 in the family room, 2 in the Master Room, 2 in the Master Room's bathroom, 2 in our studio. I found the cables that you need to plug in the receiver. I have 2 options, 6 CAT5 input cables or 6 basic naked wire. So I'm wondering, what type of receiver do I need to make them work? And If it's possible, I want to be able to connect my Apple TV, PVR and PS3 to it so I'll have a full home theater system in my Family Room.

Thanks!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I'm looking for a Receiver with a disc tray!

Answer
I would go to a high end store and raise the same question. The answer to your question is involved and they may need to show you what they are talking about versus trying to get the picture yourself. The ground work has been laid for a nice system. Take a look at Integra, Emotiva and NAD brands at at about 125-200w range. You will be pleased, another brand to take into consideration would be Russound too. When you get it together boy is it going to sound really good.

Enjoy

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