Best Server To Run Roon Core

Hello,  tonight I was able to do a head to head comparison of the original Muon Filter System and the new Muon Pro filter System.  Using my Mola Mola Makua  (the Makua is an amazing pre-amp with optional onboard Tambaqui DAC and Streamer), Audionet Max amps, Revel Salon 2 speakers and REL subs, I was able to easily swap in and out the Muon and Muon Pro.  My Makua (unlike my Aries G 2.1) easily accepts ethernet through either the Muon (100Mb/s) or the new Pro version (1G/s).

I listened each way for over and hour, then, formulating a clear opinion, I switched in and out for specific tracks. I was able to hear the difference each time within seconds.  The Pro is more engaging, more immersive, richer, tonally more pleasing, more relaxing, yet still just as resolving and tingly. I used Liberty; Alison Krauss and Union Station, It Doesn't Matter; Mark Knopfler, The Scaffolder's Wife; Old Genesis, and Chris Botte, Summertime.  The soundstage on Summertime is sky high with the Pro!

@Lalitk, I would like to experiment with placement of the M12 switch.  I do suspect it would sound best in front of ONE of my streamers.  But I need the switch where it is - between my Modem, Server and both Streamers.  Moving it around requires unhooking lots of things (specific M12 Telegartner cables), inserting an inferior switch etc.  Perhaps I will get to this.  Or perhaps I will order a Grimm MU1! 😜

“Or perhaps I will order a Grimm MU1!”

@fastfreight 

You certainly can but another user of MU1 also found Muon Pro + Rubicon switch to be highly effective ahead of MU1 :-)

Hello @lalitk , 100% agree!  I would keep my Muon Pro and M12 in front of  MU1.

The Grimm would run Roon Core (Server)  and AES (Streamer) into my Tambaqui, and also serve to my second system's streamer via LAN.  Only downside is not being able to use AES from Grimm MU1 into BOTH of my DAC's!  If had only read amazing things about MU1's AES output into the Tambaqui.  

I have an Antipodes K21 doing streamer/server duties.

Wondering if switching to a Nuc13 as server, leaving the K21 to solely be used as streamer would improve things.

@jerrybj not exactly apples to apples with your use case but…

I was using Mac Mini as a Roon Core for years. Not bad. Recently picked up Roon Nucleus One and actually prefer the Nucleus. I was shocked to hear the difference there and even more shocked to hear the improvements with better Ethernet cables on the Nucleus (for Mac Mini vs Nucleus comparison both units were fed by the exact same cables).  
So I would say try the Nucleus and see how you like it. I think Roon charges 15% restocking fee if you return it. I’d look into it might be worth a shot to free up the capacity in the Antipodes. It could have a positive effect on streamer performance.