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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 3, 2018 20:38:43 GMT -5
I have two machines that previously streamed audio without glitches. I upgraded them both to OSX-Mojave and now they both exhibit the same behavior - "Stuttering" audio. The MacBook Pro stutters when streaming from YouTube, but the Mac Mini (a dedicated audio server machine) stutters when playing wav files from its external HDD. The stuttering is common to all output interfaces - HDMI, USB, analogl headphone output, and TOSLINK.
Because this has happened on two different types of machines with different hardware configurations, I think the only common cause is the new OS. Short of reverting to a previous OS via a Time-Machine backup, is there any fix that youse guys might know of?
Thanks - Boom
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 3, 2018 21:03:52 GMT -5
I’m using Mojave on two Mac minis, one of them serves my music via iTunes > TOSLink > XMC-1 Optical 2 Input. I haven’t noticed any change since installing Mojave, and haven’t had any dropouts before or after the upgrade. I’ll try to spend some time listening again tomorrow to see if I can detect anything new.
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Post by novisnick on Nov 3, 2018 21:41:24 GMT -5
Ive yet to notice any such behavior but IMHO the enduser should do nothing but report the problem to Apple. They will fix it and all that will be required is the next update.. Ive come across too many glitches that I did not cause and usually can not fix. Why Waiste my tome on their fix..
Sounds naive but it works for me. Then again, I don’t have any dropouts in my music.
Im using a hotrod 2012 Mac Mini with Moho
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Post by Loop 7 on Nov 3, 2018 21:45:20 GMT -5
I am keeping my Roon server and PLEX server Mac Mini's running Mac OS 10.11 for as long as possible.
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 4, 2018 0:16:19 GMT -5
THEORY 1 - EITHER SOME BACKGROUND PROGRAM OR OS-X ITSELF IS BOGGING DOWN THE CPU:
Looking at Activity Monitor, I'm between 96 and 97 percent idle on the processor, so neither the system nor any active programs are overloading it. Scratch theory one.
THEORY 2 - THE INTERNET CONNECTION IS TOO SLOW:
When I run internet speed test: 10.2 Mbps upload / 106.9 Mbps download
Latency: 14 ms - Server: Dallas, TX - "Your Internet speed is very fast - Your Internet connection should be able to handle multiple devices streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time." Scratch theory two.
THEORY 3 - THE USB CABLE IS BAD:
But if this were the cause, then only the Mac Mini server would exhibit dropouts, not the MacBook Pro streaming from the internet. Scratch theory three.
THEORY 4 - IT'S A JRIVER THING:
But if this were the case, then, again, only the Mac Mini server would exhibit dropouts. Scratch theory four.
THEORY 5 - THE MULTIPLE DEVICES ON THE HOME NETWORK ARE INTERFERING WITH EACH OTHER:
But if this were the case, it should affect the internet connection (that's also on the home network). Scratch theory five.
THEORY 6 - DIFFERENT THINGS ARE AFFECTING DIFFERENT COMPUTERS:
Now this theory would at least make some sense. It doesn't bring me any closer to answers, but it would maybe account for disparate causes.
And if theory six is credible, then all the previous theories that assumed common cause for both machines need to be reassessed.
Troubleshooting can be a PITA...
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Post by creimes on Nov 4, 2018 1:37:23 GMT -5
I am keeping my Roon server and PLEX server Mac Mini's running Mac OS 10.11 for as long as possible. Yeah the worst thing I have done on my Mac is install the free OS updates, I won't do Mojave as the last OS slowed it down big time, no stuttering audio but my screen saver barely even runs, I 100% agree on Apple purposely slowing down their machines, I've even got upgraded RAM and an SSD and barely anything actually running on it and it has become a dog, but hey they want me to buy that new shiny $999 one haha. I'd say revert to the old OS and never upgrade again, just my .02 of course. Chad |
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Post by stads77 on Nov 4, 2018 11:20:26 GMT -5
I am keeping my Roon server and PLEX server Mac Mini's running Mac OS 10.11 for as long as possible. Yeah the worst thing I have done on my Mac is install the free OS updates, I won't do Mojave as the last OS slowed it down big time, no stuttering audio but my screen saver barely even runs, I 100% agree on Apple purposely slowing down their machines, I've even got upgraded RAM and an SSD and barely anything actually running on it and it has become a dog, but hey they want me to buy that new shiny $999 one haha. I'd say revert to the old OS and never upgrade again, just my .02 of course. Chad Are PC computers any different if they are running newest operating system on a 3-5 year old computer? I’m just curious. |
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Post by emofrmcgy on Nov 4, 2018 12:08:51 GMT -5
I am keeping my Roon server and PLEX server Mac Mini's running Mac OS 10.11 for as long as possible. Yeah the worst thing I have done on my Mac is install the free OS updates, I won't do Mojave as the last OS slowed it down big time, no stuttering audio but my screen saver barely even runs, I 100% agree on Apple purposely slowing down their machines, I've even got upgraded RAM and an SSD and barely anything actually running on it and it has become a dog, but hey they want me to buy that new shiny $999 one haha. I'd say revert to the old OS and never upgrade again, just my .02 of course. Chad Load it up with a low resource Linux distro. It’ll be like brand new again. |
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Post by emofrmcgy on Nov 4, 2018 12:12:04 GMT -5
Yeah the worst thing I have done on my Mac is install the free OS updates, I won't do Mojave as the last OS slowed it down big time, no stuttering audio but my screen saver barely even runs, I 100% agree on Apple purposely slowing down their machines, I've even got upgraded RAM and an SSD and barely anything actually running on it and it has become a dog, but hey they want me to buy that new shiny $999 one haha. I'd say revert to the old OS and never upgrade again, just my .02 of course. Chad Are PC computers any different if they are running newest operating system on a 3-5 year old computer? I’m just curious. No different. If I try and run windows 10 on my pc it’s slow, sluggish and generally just not very enjoyable to use. If I install say Ubuntu mate or elementary OS on the same machine it’s snappy, reliable and very fun to play with. |
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Post by creimes on Nov 4, 2018 13:30:49 GMT -5
Yeah the worst thing I have done on my Mac is install the free OS updates, I won't do Mojave as the last OS slowed it down big time, no stuttering audio but my screen saver barely even runs, I 100% agree on Apple purposely slowing down their machines, I've even got upgraded RAM and an SSD and barely anything actually running on it and it has become a dog, but hey they want me to buy that new shiny $999 one haha. I'd say revert to the old OS and never upgrade again, just my .02 of course. Chad Are PC computers any different if they are running newest operating system on a 3-5 year old computer? I’m just curious. My PC computers have always been good to me in that unless trying to run a new game or such that is more processor or graphics intensive, it seems that Windows is more service pack updates and Apple is the actual OS name, I'm in no way a programmer so I'm sure some here will know more on the subject. In my experience and really it's my fault anyways is that every time I've chosen to do the latest update of the new OS it has affected the machine in some way, I will say though it is about 8 years old now so I guess it's really not all that bad considering the age, I would really like one of the new Mini's coming out but it's hard to swallow the cost of $999 being the base model considering the PC I could build at that cost would be much higher spec'd |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 4, 2018 16:14:59 GMT -5
... I would really like one of the new Mini's coming out but it's hard to swallow the cost of $999 being the base model considering the PC I could build at that cost would be much higher spec'd The base model is actually $799 for the quad core, there is a six core for $1099 (though maybe base is $999 for Canucks?) When I bought my current mini in 2012 the base was $599, then in 2014 they went down to $499 (but lowered the power). So $799 is higher but given inflation and what looks like an attempt to make them more powerful doesn’t seem too bad to me. I’ll get a new mini at the end of ski season, I’d been Jonesing for a Mac Pro all these years but they’re pretty dear and way obsolete until they rev it, I’ll probably get the higher mini all decked out and justify that I’m getting a cheap pro. 🤔🤓😀 |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 4, 2018 16:47:15 GMT -5
... I would really like one of the new Mini's coming out but it's hard to swallow the cost of $999 being the base model considering the PC I could build at that cost would be much higher spec'd The base model is actually $799 for the quad core, there is a six core for $1099 (though maybe base is $999 for Canucks?) When I bought my current mini in 2012 the base was $599, then in 2014 they went down to $499 (but lowered the power). So $799 is higher but given inflation and what looks like an attempt to make them more powerful doesn’t seem too bad to me. I’ll get a new mini at the end of ski season, I’d been Jonesing for a Mac Pro all these years but they’re pretty dear and way obsolete until they rev it, I’ll probably get the higher mini all decked out and justify that I’m getting a cheap pro. 🤔🤓😀 I’d Purchase the 6- core i7 with minimum ram! Its user accessible. Purchase your own much cheaper ram. amazon ram is $288,49 for 32 GB 2666MHz DDR vs $600 from Apple. I’m also thinking of just 256 SSD G-Technology G-Drive with Thunderbolt 3 / USB - C 4 TB, Amazon, $320. $1300.00 Base 200.00 i7 upgrade 289.00 32 GB ram upgrade 320.00 external storage ________ $2,109.00 total for a pretty rad setup! 200.00 add for 512 GB SSD 100.00 add for 10 Gigabit Ethernet ________ $2,409.00 |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 4, 2018 18:30:23 GMT -5
I looked at what was running in the background. Several programs were routinely trying to check for updates, trying to schedule data transfers / backups, etc. Once I turned them off, everything's working fine. I also discovered, though, that lifting the power cord grounds, while safe, caused some unintended side effects. The Schiit Saga preamp quit responding to its remote and then one channel quit working. I tried checking interconnects and swapping tubes around, but what made it work again was restoring the power cord ground. Of course, then it started humming. I eventually cured the humming by switching to a balanced, XLR connection between the DAC and the preamp. But the gear led me a merry chase this afternoon. Just now, its all sweetness and light until I have to change something else. garbulky is dropping by this evening, and since he'll want to listen, I got the troubleshooting done in advance. So to sum up, the dropouts I've experienced may have had nothing to do with Mojave specifically, but only with other "background" programs occasionally demanding access to the CPU to do their jobs. It may also be some peculiarity of JRiver (a program whose peculiarities seem to be endless). And although JRiver has a LOT more flexibility than Roon, I'm slowly revising my opinion that I want to stick with JRiver solely because I already own it. There IS such a thing as "penny-wise and pound-foolish..." Cheers & thanks for all the good feedback. Boomzilla |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 4, 2018 19:28:20 GMT -5
I looked at what was running in the background. Several programs were routinely trying to check for updates, trying to schedule data transfers / backups, etc. Once I turned them off, everything's working fine. I also discovered, though, that lifting the power cord grounds, while safe, caused some unintended side effects. The Schiit Saga preamp quit responding to its remote and then one channel quit working. I tried checking interconnects and swapping tubes around, but what made it work again was restoring the power cord ground. Of course, then it started humming. I eventually cured the humming by switching to a balanced, XLR connection between the DAC and the preamp. But the gear led me a merry chase this afternoon. Just now, its all sweetness and light until I have to change something else. garbulky is dropping by this evening, and since he'll want to listen, I got the troubleshooting done in advance. So to sum up, the dropouts I've experienced may have had nothing to do with Mojave specifically, but only with other "background" programs occasionally demanding access to the CPU to do their jobs. It may also be some peculiarity of JRiver (a program whose peculiarities seem to be endless). And although JRiver has a LOT more flexibility than Roon, I'm slowly revising my opinion that I want to stick with JRiver solely because I already own it. There IS such a thing as "penny-wise and pound-foolish..." Cheers & thanks for all the good feedback. Boomzilla Please update after Garbulky listens. Even if it so brief. Enjoy and have fun! PS: Yes JRiver has lots of unsupported tools if your good enough to figure them out. I got tired of the endless beg/demand for money! |
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Post by creimes on Nov 4, 2018 21:44:19 GMT -5
... I would really like one of the new Mini's coming out but it's hard to swallow the cost of $999 being the base model considering the PC I could build at that cost would be much higher spec'd The base model is actually $799 for the quad core, there is a six core for $1099 (though maybe base is $999 for Canucks?) When I bought my current mini in 2012 the base was $599, then in 2014 they went down to $499 (but lowered the power). So $799 is higher but given inflation and what looks like an attempt to make them more powerful doesn’t seem too bad to me. I’ll get a new mini at the end of ski season, I’d been Jonesing for a Mac Pro all these years but they’re pretty dear and way obsolete until they rev it, I’ll probably get the higher mini all decked out and justify that I’m getting a cheap pro. 🤔🤓😀 Yeah up her in Canada the base i3 Quad core is $999 and the next model up i5 is $1399, given our dollar it seems about right but it is still a lot to spend if one wants one, for $1129 I can build an i5-7400 with a GTX 1060 6gb dedicated video, 16gb ram and 250gb hard drive which in all reality I would do over buying another Mini at their new pricing, and it's way more fun building your own system and I've been doing it for years  One thing I really love about the Mini is it looks cool and has a great form factor  |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 4, 2018 23:14:05 GMT -5
I’d Purchase the 6- core i7 with minimum ram! Its user accessible. Purchase your own much cheaper ram. Are you sure the memory is still user upgradeable? I upgraded my late 2012, but I remember reading with the 2014 they soldered in the RAM, so you have to buy it from Apple. I’ll wait for a Teardown from iFixIt, but I’m assuming I’ll have to buy the mini populated with whatever I want to end up with. You might be able to swap out drives, but again best to read the report. |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 4, 2018 23:17:16 GMT -5
I’d Purchase the 6- core i7 with minimum ram! Its user accessible. Purchase your own much cheaper ram. Are you sure the memory is still user upgradeable? I upgraded my late 2012, but I remember reading with the 2014 they soldered in the RAM, so you have to buy it from Apple. I’ll wait for a Teardown from iFixIt, but I’m assuming I’ll have to buy the mini populated with whatever I want to end up with. You might be able to swap out drives, but again best to read the report. Ill find my source again. The SSD is sodered but not the ram. I have a 2012 i7 and its fine, for now. BRB, View this first one, not the second one. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 4, 2018 23:23:30 GMT -5
Are you sure the memory is still user upgradeable? I upgraded my late 2012, but I remember reading with the 2014 they soldered in the RAM, so you have to buy it from Apple. I’ll wait for a Teardown from iFixIt, but I’m assuming I’ll have to buy the mini populated with whatever I want to end up with. You might be able to swap out drives, but again best to read the report. Ill find my source again. The SSD is sodered but not the ram. I have a 2012 i7 and its fine, for now. BRB, Unless things have changed between 2014 and now it’s just the opposite, here’s the teardown. www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac+mini+Late+2014+Teardown/30410If you have newer info however that would be great. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 4, 2018 23:56:39 GMT -5
Are you sure the memory is still user upgradeable? I upgraded my late 2012, but I remember reading with the 2014 they soldered in the RAM, so you have to buy it from Apple. I’ll wait for a Teardown from iFixIt, but I’m assuming I’ll have to buy the mini populated with whatever I want to end up with. You might be able to swap out drives, but again best to read the report. Ill find my source again. The SSD is sodered but not the ram. I have a 2012 i7 and its fine, for now. BRB, View this first one, not the second one.Well it sounds good, but he hasn’t actually seen one and didn’t list his sources, so I’ll call myself ‘cautiously optimistic’. They’ll be out in a few days so an actual teardown should be out then. Edit: Ah, I see in the second video the guy shows a picture from the web site I missed, it shows the socketed memory, good deal! |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 5, 2018 0:00:35 GMT -5
I looked at what was running in the background. Several programs were routinely trying to check for updates, trying to schedule data transfers / backups, etc. Once I turned them off, everything's working fine. ... Good to hear, I listened to mine again today for a couple hours and no stutters or dropouts, so was pretty sure it wasn’t Mojave. |
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