Paolo,
An interesting product indeed. I had a hard time understanding how exactly it worked....my original thought was that it somehow negated the need for a computer but finally understood that it is a bridge between computer and DAC. As I understand it, it more or less eliminates the negative affect a computer has on the digital signal. I am in the same boat with you using a Mac Mini and use Audirvana for playback. What do you use as playback software? Actually, it is not really "playback" software now as the M5 takes over this capacity and uses the computer and chosen "playback" software to only hand off the bits.
Damon Gramont of Bricasti was at RMAF recently where I grilled him of how exactly this product works. He would explain a while and then ask me if I finally understood, I would say NO and he would re-commence. It was quite humorous and I am sure he thought I was quite dense!
He indicates the M5 (or module built into their DAC) is thought by some customers to be superior to even a purpose built music server like Aurender. What are your thoughts?
tdimler,
sorry for delay but I'm in Paris for a business trip, now I have few time...
I modded my MacMini with Uptone's PS kit, and the improvement was already a big step forward.
I use Jriver V22.
I think M5 is a very "smart" device. To simplify: it allows to transfer the data packets using a more effective method than the USB bus.
It uses your computer's player to access the libraries and receives data packet via ethernet LAN (eliminating the annoying problem of noise induced in the USB bus).
Then, it "forwards" the packets via an audio compliant data bus like SPDIF, AES outputs.
I tested it in my system and although I already have my computer modified in the power supply part, with the insertion of the M5 i felt further slight improvements.
We tested the M5 into a system where MacMini was not modified and the improvement has been really remarkable; each feature has been improved: densities, richer textures, bigger soundstage, less "digital" sound....