Topic: Mac vs. Windows (Read 8924 times)

Zachik · « **on:** December 11, 2017, 01:57:12 am »

I have been playing with the demo / trial version under Windows 7, but now I am setting up my "real" music computer based on a mac mini (server, late 2012).
In short, what are the differences between the Windows and MacOS versions of MC23?
Should I stick with the Windows version for now? or is the MacOS version stable? and what features would I be giving up?
Lastly, how do they compare in Sound Quality? I am using an external DAC (though USB).

Thanks,
Zachi.

astromo · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2017, 04:05:51 am »

Check here:
https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,113324.msg783555.html#msg783555
https://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Release_Notes

One difference that I know exists for sure is that the Linux and Mac versions don't do TV.

tyler69 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2017, 06:10:26 am »

Mac version does not support DSD (only DoP). Also, video conversion/ transcoding is not on par with the windows version regarding quality.

Volume does not always work as in Windows: https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,112670.0.html
Other than that the mac application does not feel very "mac-like". the windows version, on the other hand, feels very "windows like" (but that's my personal opinion).
I own both licenses but did not bother using the Mac version as it behaves strangely on different occasions which the windows version does not.

Awesome Donkey · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2017, 07:21:14 am »

Quote from: tyler69 on December 11, 2017, 06:10:26 am

Mac version does not support DSD (only DoP).

Actually, Mac in general doesn't support native DSD playback so DSD via DoP is the only option (unless, perhaps, you have one of those special DACs with a Mac ASIO driver, but even then that won't work with MC).

DoP should be sufficient enough, it works fine and the end result is native DSD playback (like native DSD).

Quote from: Zachik on December 11, 2017, 01:57:12 am

Lastly, how do they compare in Sound Quality? I am using an external DAC (though USB).

If on Windows you're using ASIO, WASAPI Exclusive or Kernel Streaming or with the Mac you're using CoreAudio (with exclusive access enabled) and you're using no DSP, sound quality should be the same between Windows and Mac as you're outputting bit-perfect audio.

This comparison topic is a little old, but some of it still applies (e.g. Television stuff): https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,97363.0.html

tyler69 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2017, 07:31:12 am »

Quote from: Awesome Donkey on December 11, 2017, 07:21:14 am

but even then that won't work with MC.

That's what I said. It could be implemented in MC but it is not wanted since DoP is considered enough.

Awesome Donkey · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2017, 07:40:51 am »

IMO, because it is enough.

Though as far as I know, I think the devs did look into adding support for the Mac ASIO driver, but don't think that got anywhere (likely still on the to-do list, but very low priority).

tyler69 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2017, 11:27:58 am »

Thanks for the headsup

Zachik · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2017, 06:42:47 pm »

Quote from: tyler69 on December 11, 2017, 06:10:26 am

Mac version does not support DSD (only DoP).

Not a problem for me - I do not own any DSD tracks ;-)

Quote from: tyler69 on December 11, 2017, 06:10:26 am

Volume does not always work as in Windows: https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,112670.0.html

Since I use external DAC and Amp - I control the volume through the amp, so again not a problem...

Zachik · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2017, 06:44:32 pm »

Quote from: astromo on December 11, 2017, 04:05:51 am

One difference that I know exists for sure is that the Linux and Mac versions don't do TV.

I only use it for music playback. Do not care about video or TV, so fortunately not an issue

Zachik · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2017, 06:48:25 pm »

Guys - I am very impressed by the response time and detailed / informative replies!! Thank you all.
At this point, I am still debating Amarra and Audirvana, but leaning towards MC...
IF I decide to go with MC - I will probably buy the license for all OSes, in case I get frustrated by MacOS version. I am very tempted to use the mac mini, though, since it is SUBSTANTIALLY smaller than my mid-tower desktop PC! Like, 25 times smaller (and much quieter, too)

JimH · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2017, 12:54:34 am »

The Intel NUC's are a similar size. There are other small choices that work with Windows.

Zachik · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2017, 05:23:37 pm »

Quote from: JimH on December 12, 2017, 12:54:34 am

The Intel NUC's are a similar size. There are other small choices that work with Windows.

Understood, but I already got the mac mini... A NUC to my likings (Core i5) with SSD and DRAM - that's close to $1,000.
I am trying to make the mac mini work first!

JohnT · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2017, 08:34:41 am »

Quote from: tyler69 on December 11, 2017, 06:10:26 am

Mac version does not support DSD (only DoP).

DoP IS DSD, just packaged slightly differently. The DSD bits are unmodified and the identical audio gets sent to the DAC.

tyler69 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2017, 12:37:48 pm »

I'm preety sure I wrote "Mac version does not support native DSD (only DoP)." but maybe my mind plays tricks on me. Anyway, you're correct of course which does not make my comment invalid though.

Peter_T · « **Reply #14 on:** December 21, 2017, 11:57:30 am »

Just to chime in:

The Mac version of MC has been solid for a while... it started out rocky but functional, but for the last handful of builds (maybe longer) I've found that it performs exactly how I expect it to (almost) every time.

It's also getting harder to see that it's a port from the Windows version - which is important to a lot of users. (I use the Modern Cards grey or white skins...)

Zachik · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2017, 10:31:37 pm »

Quote from: Peter_T on December 21, 2017, 11:57:30 am

Just to chime in:

The Mac version of MC has been solid for a while... it started out rocky but functional, but for the last handful of builds (maybe longer) I've found that it performs exactly how I expect it to (almost) every time.

It's also getting harder to see that it's a port from the Windows version - which is important to a lot of users. (I use the Modern Cards grey or white skins...)

Mac version might be solid and functional, but GUI of the Windows version looks WAY nicer! How many times do you hear someone comparing MacOS and Windows, and say Windows GUI looks better?!

Amarra 4's GUI looks so much better! A really conflict here... MC with Amarra like GUI would be a winner for me.
I wonder if JRiver folks have any intention of improving the Mac GUI. Especially since the Windows GUI does look good. Any insider can comment on that?

JimH · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2018, 03:47:43 am »

Have you tried other skins?

There are many things you can do to change the appearance. Some are under the View menu.

Also this: https://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Simplified_Interface

Awesome Donkey · « **Reply #17 on:** January 01, 2018, 05:12:29 am »

Try the Modern Cards Grey Edition skin. It's purposely the "Mac-esk" skin for Media Center.

JimH · « **Reply #18 on:** January 01, 2018, 06:25:13 am »

Maciest?

Awesome Donkey · « **Reply #19 on:** January 01, 2018, 08:55:17 am »

Sure, it kinda reminds me of Kraft Mac & Cheese for some reason.

Anyways, on topic... Modern Cards Grey Edition is likely currently the 'closest' you can get to a "native" looking Mac skin for MC. Of course, there's no dark mode skin (unless you use the Modern Cards Dark Edition skin, but it won't look like "native" Mac dark mode) as I've had no time to look into seeing if one could be created. Also if you change the Mac setting for the stoplight (close/minimize/restore/maximize) buttons to the alternate colors, MC will still use the default ones. Haven't had time to attempt ripping those out from the OS yet either.

Zachik · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2018, 02:37:39 am »

Quote from: Awesome Donkey on January 01, 2018, 08:55:17 am

Sure, it kinda reminds me of Kraft Mac & Cheese for some reason.

Anyways, on topic... Modern Cards Grey Edition is likely currently the 'closest' you can get to a "native" looking Mac skin for MC. Of course, there's no dark mode skin (unless you use the Modern Cards Dark Edition skin, but it won't look like "native" Mac dark mode) as I've had no time to look into seeing if one could be created. Also if you change the Mac setting for the stoplight (close/minimize/restore/maximize) buttons to the alternate colors, MC will still use the default ones. Haven't had time to attempt ripping those out from the OS yet either.

Thanks Awesome Donkey! Embarrassing, but I never noticed the skins... Looks MUCH better now, and checked the box for audio only to remove some clutter. What an improvement!! Gotta spend more time and customize to my taste / needs

Peter_T · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2018, 03:19:18 pm »

Quote from: Zachik on January 02, 2018, 02:37:39 am

Gotta spend more time and customize to my taste / needs

This is really what sets JRiver apart from the competition... SO customizable. Mac users might not be expecting this, since so much of the Mac world is well-designed simplicity.

bugeyed · « **Reply #22 on:** January 02, 2018, 09:16:31 pm »

Quote from: Awesome Donkey on January 01, 2018, 05:12:29 am

Try the Modern Cards Grey Edition skin. It's purposely the "Mac-esk" skin for Media Center.

I am struggling to find a skin I like. Most are too bright (too much white), dark ones have too much pink or red. Modern Cards are my favorite, but they don't have any player controls that I can see??? I am now using black on black.
Kev

JimH · « **Reply #23 on:** January 03, 2018, 05:38:51 am »

All the skins should have player controls.

Awesome Donkey · « **Reply #24 on:** January 03, 2018, 06:30:49 am »

Yep, they should. Can you take a screenshot? Thanks.

bugeyed · « **Reply #25 on:** January 03, 2018, 02:44:50 pm »

Quote from: Awesome Donkey on January 03, 2018, 06:30:49 am

Yep, they should. Can you take a screenshot? Thanks.

OK, Now I see. The screen was cutting off the top of the window. Still in the early part of the learning curve for the Mac UI. I have the monitor resolution adjusted so that I can read the TV screen from across the room. Didn't have the window maximized & didn't realize the screen was cutting off the top of the window. I maximized it & viola, the controls are there! Thanks!
Kev

Library Eye · « **Reply #26 on:** January 06, 2018, 01:55:35 am »

When I first tried MediaCenter I wouldn't consider it because my preference is to use Mac and I found the Mac version performance really far behind Windows. That was years ago. When I tried again maybe early last year I was pleasantly surprised at how far along it had come and I happily bought a license that covers all the OS's I use (Mac, Windows, even Linux which was an added selling point). Yes, it still looks and somewhat feels like a Windows program ported to Mac, and the Windows experience in my usage is smoother, but overall it I think is best program of its kind available on macOS. One thing lacking though, unless I am missing something, is support for connecting and syncing any handheld portable I have. On Windows, you can still connect iPod classics, and even sync playlists and playcounts. On Mac, the feature is available, you can plug in an old iPod (I have a 60GB classic and an early Nano) and transfer songs, playlists over - but they don't go to right directories and cannot be played. And, for Android, since Mac does not include native MTP mounting, you can't even mount an Android to MC under Mac. There are various ways to attempt MTP connectivity on Mac, but nothing has really worked for me. So, if you need the option to connect a portable, you'll need to look for something that works, if available, or consider Windows version which does function as noted above.

gilzur · « **Reply #27 on:** January 06, 2018, 11:22:25 am »

... you could try the 'Export to iTunes & iPhone' command under the File menu ..... oh, wait a minute, that doesn't work either, in the Mac version. It does in the Windows version.

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Author Topic: Mac vs. Windows (Read 8924 times)