Mac mini M4 as a Music/Media/Home Theater Streaming Device

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Level 1

4 points

Mac mini M4 as a Music/Media/Home Theater Streaming Device

Hi all, the new Mac mini M4 looks like a great a value and I'm trying to figure out whether it can replace my old HTPC as the do-all-digital center piece to my 2 Channel Audio music and movie/media streaming.

I currently have an older Windows 10 based HTPC (Home Theater PC) wherein I use a Samsung HDTV as the monitor and a McIntosh (the audio company) D100 as a Digital to Audio Converter (DAC). The DAC then goes into a McIntosh C200 Preamp and then into a Decware Amplifier then into Omega speakers. The whole setup works pretty flawlessly, however now that MS is stopping support for Windows 10 and my PC cannot upgrade to Windows 11 ~ I was thinking about a Mac Mini M4 as they are very competitive price-wise.

I'm wondering if it can do the following and how to do it:

I would like to use the described 2 Channel audio/video setup, except use a Mac mini M4 instead of the Windows PC. So I still need send the picture to my HDTV via HDMI as a monitor and send the audio output/sound to my McIntosh D100 DAC via USB.

The current chain looks like this:

For picture: PC HDMI output > to Samsung HDTV HDMI input.

For audio: PC USB output > to McIntosh D100 DAC USB input.

Then the audio chain (if anyone is interested):

McIntosh D100 RCA output > to McIntosh C200 Preamp RCA input; McIntosh C200 RCA output > to Decware 2 channel amplifier input, Decware 2 channel amplifier output > to Omega Speakers. I also have a Rega turntable, but that doesn't have anything to do with the digital side of things as it goes directly into the McIntosh C200 preamp.

I stream high resolution 24 bit / 192 kHz audio from the Qobuz application and want to also be able to stream HD movies and media through either web or app based media providers as Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc. I don't have any music/movies stored on a locally or on a server, so I don't use iTunes. I also need it to have basic computer functions such as internet, office applications, etc. as I do use those sometimes in my home theater setup.

Is this possible (as I have been hearing conflicting results trying to do this)?

Many blessings and thanks to all!

Hans

Mac mini (M4)

Posted on Jun 21, 2025 06:53 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

23,511 points

Jun 22, 2025 04:21 PM in response to hans184

You may have to do this in 2 parts ...

HDMI audio: M4 HDMI output -> HDMI Audio Extractor (like this one) > Macintosh D100 optical or coax input
Other audio: M4 USB output to the Macintosh D100 USB input. Also need to set this up in Audio MIDI Setup

An HDMI Audio Extractor passes the HDMI signal through to your HDTV while extracting & sending the audio to your sound system. I use the unit in the link above and it works perfectly.

There "may" be a way to route HDMI audio through the M4's USB ports but it's going to be a workaround of sorts probably requiring Rogue Amoeba Loopback, Blackhole Audio or similar utility; plus appropriate setup in Audio MIDI Setup on the M4.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

214,296 points

Jun 22, 2025 01:42 PM in response to hans184

Let me preface my comments with I am totally not familiar with your equipment and setup.

That being said if the current system works flawlessly why change. If your audio setup connected to the internet? If not there's no reason to worry about out MS dropping support for Windows 10. Additionally, if you're behind a router that provides a nearly impenetrable environment.

If the system is not connected to the internet you have no worry about MS not supporting the system anymore, i.e. if it's working flawlessly don't fix it.

Just some food for thought.

Addendum: I have a Mac Mini M4 and it is an awesome machine. Best Mac I've ever had. But I have no idea if it would work for your intended purpose.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

214,296 points

Jun 23, 2025 02:25 PM in response to hans184

I think that's a good decision. (Duh I suggested it) Run the system until the PC gives up the ghost, give it an Irish Wake and then start looking for a suitable replacement.

Happy listening!

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Answer 4

hans184 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 22, 2025 08:37 PM in response to MartinR

Thanks!

I’ve come to the conclusion that ~ if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Although the Mac mini M4 looks like a great device, I know my PC is doing what I want it to do.

The picture is going to my HDTV via HDMI and the audio is doing bit-perfect into my DAC via USB without any issues and the sound for both music and movies is spectacular through my McIntosh D100 DAC.

So, I’m just going to suck it up and upgrade my CPU to an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G for $150 bucks … that will qualify me for the Windows 11 upgrade, so I won’t have any worries about future support and security on my HTPC, nor have any concerns of the Mac mini not doing what I want it to do.

Though not quite as cool looking as the mini, it’s a nice little unit, powerful enough, brushed black aluminum case and very quiet.

Blessings!

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Answer 5

hans184 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 22, 2025 08:39 PM in response to Old Toad

You're right Old Toad!

Thanks!

I’ve come to the conclusion that ~ if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Although the Mac mini M4 looks like a great device, I know my PC is doing what I want it to do.

The picture is going to my HDTV via HDMI and the audio is doing bit-perfect into my DAC via USB without any issues and the sound for both music and movies is spectacular through my McIntosh D100 DAC.

So, I’m just going to upgrade my CPU to an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G for $150 bucks … that will qualify me for the Windows 11 upgrade, so I won’t have any worries about future support and security on my HTPC, nor have any concerns of the Mac mini not doing what I want it to do.

Though not quite as cool looking as the mini, it’s a nice little unit, powerful enough, brushed black aluminum case and very quiet.

Blessings!

[Edited by Moderator]

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Mac mini M4 as a Music/Media/Home Theater Streaming Device

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