Roon recommends using a separate device for the core and endpoint since the core is much more compute intensive than the endpoint, and thus a device that is doing less computing (and thus theoretically quieter) can handle the endpoint duties to deliver data to the DAC.
Erik's suggestion of using a Rasberry PI is probably the most cost effective solution for this and many people have found this to be an excellent solution (particularly for the cost).
I will suggest one other option which can be used your Mac Mini is colocated with your audio system. I replaced my Bryston streamer (a $3K+ device that has a good reputation) with a Denafrips Gaia DDC. This device accepts digital data in numerous different formats (I am using USB from my Roon Rock server) and then outputs in many different formats. In addition to possible format conversion, it's primary functions are noise isolation and reclocking.
There are a few different companies producing these kinds of devices, but the only one I have experience with is the Gaia. I am connection my DAC using i2s from the Gaia, and the sound quality improvement compared to using the Bryston was VERY apparent. I think a lot of this was switching to i2s which my DAC (Denafrips Terminator at the time, now upgraded to Terminator Plus) seems to really thrive on.
A conventional streamer may work better in your particular situation, but wanted to offer this as another option to consider.
Erik's suggestion of using a Rasberry PI is probably the most cost effective solution for this and many people have found this to be an excellent solution (particularly for the cost).
I will suggest one other option which can be used your Mac Mini is colocated with your audio system. I replaced my Bryston streamer (a $3K+ device that has a good reputation) with a Denafrips Gaia DDC. This device accepts digital data in numerous different formats (I am using USB from my Roon Rock server) and then outputs in many different formats. In addition to possible format conversion, it's primary functions are noise isolation and reclocking.
There are a few different companies producing these kinds of devices, but the only one I have experience with is the Gaia. I am connection my DAC using i2s from the Gaia, and the sound quality improvement compared to using the Bryston was VERY apparent. I think a lot of this was switching to i2s which my DAC (Denafrips Terminator at the time, now upgraded to Terminator Plus) seems to really thrive on.
A conventional streamer may work better in your particular situation, but wanted to offer this as another option to consider.