by Kevin OBrien on January 19, 2025
YFS 2024 M4 MAC MINI MODIFICATION
Apple just released their NEW Mac Mini, the M4 variant. Apple calls this model specifically, the 'Late 2024' model. This is the most efficient Mini yet, and the most powerful. A perfect candidate for our YFS modification. Partner this little desktop computer with a 12 Volt Linear Power Supply (rated at ~ 4 Amps), our YFS PS-12m comes to mind immediately, and you're ready to hear some serious HD music streams. The Mac Mini has finally changed form factors, and we wanted to see if we could partner our 12 Volt YFS LPS, and turn this 5" by 5" by 2" hunk of metal and silicon into a heavy-weight music server.
So, we started with the M4 Base Model ($599 MSRP), and tore it apart to figure out how to mate our YFS LPS and YFS passive power filter to this updated version. Upon removing the bottom cover, we realized we would have to go through the actual power inlet on the rear of the unit with our + and - power leads from our filter. The good thing about this is, there's no way to tell anything has been touched by looking at the Mini from the exterior, after modification, which is how we like to do things. We were NOT about to drill a hole in the side of the chassis, as that's not an acceptable solution. We can put the M4 Mini back to its original form, and reverse our YFS modification. This way you have a 'stock', fully functional M4 Mac Mini if you should want to change direction in the future, or simply upgrade to the next Apple offering, when it's released.
So what do we mean when we say "modify" exactly? The modification consists of three steps. First, we take apart the Mini and unhook the stock Apple switching power supply (we leave it in-place, inside the chassis). Second, we take our YFS M4 Internal Power Filter (the M1 version is pictured below) and situate it adjacent to the rear power inlet. We then route power leads to the motherboard of the Mini, attaching to the outlet of our YFS passive inline filter, sitting at the rear of the Mini. There's no way to place the internal passive filter INSIDE the Mini, as it's tiny. (This is the main difference between this newer M4 mod and our older Mini mods). Third step, we put the Mini back together and simply hook up the PS-12m umbilical. DONE! Now you're off to the races.
There's a considerable difference in sound quality between the 'Late 2020' M1 of old and this current 'Late 2024' M4 version. You don't have to strain to hear it either. Everything is better. Our soundstage grew wider, taller, and deeper. All the standard audiophile review stuff applies here. We are getting details for days, but staying 'analog' about it, with no fatigue. Apple seems to have nailed it with the M4.
It's always eye-opening when we first hear the differences in Apple models, post-modification. The newer motherboards, chipsets, and processors do make a significant difference, not to mention the latest OS X and playback software suites getting their latest updates as well. (We prefer Audirvana Origin) This all combines to make a great little streamer / music server that can go head to head with some of the best digital front ends on the market.
Finally, great sounding digital can be had for minimal expense, all things considered. Not only that, you can still control your own digital destiny. We don't like 'streamers' as there's no way to fix them when they go wonky or need to be updated. With a Mac Mini, you have a way to update, add music easily, and repair without being out of commission for very long (almost all of us have an Apple repair center close by). OS X software updates and music playback software updates become elementary and the user is in control. This allows us to pivot and change when new software is released (and new hardware for that matter, as DACs change quickly). This modification / LPS is one of our best selling products!
If you've been waiting to get into that latest digital source component and you have a 12 Volt power supply laying around (that can deliver at least 4 Amps), why not give it a shot? For around a $1200 investment, you are up to date with the latest software and hardware in this ever-changing digital computer landscape. Feel free to drop us a line and we can help with any questions you may have.
* The YFS M4 Internal Power Filter is available on its own. Send us $375 if you want to do the modification at home *
Thanks for reading.
- YFS Design Team