Best Server To Run Roon Core

@sns FWIW, I recently bought a Bricasti M3 with the network option, and at the same time bought the used Antipodes CX to try using the direct Ethernet link as opposed to a USB cable. So essentially what you are doing with the lightweight endpoint. I have swapped between using USB and Ethernet and the difference is striking, in favor of Ethernet. I am sold on the network DAC idea.

@zlone I did go that route some years ago with network optioned Okto dac, in my case this didn't prove out to be best option. Perhaps it was the modified Raspberry Pi used in Okto that wasn't up to SOTM endpoint I believe I was using at that point, or perhaps the dac itself? I do see the advantages of bypassing usb altogether. So many routes available for quality streaming!

@lalitk @fastfreight MU1/Tambaqui indeed but the MU2 is all it’s touted to be and no AES needed.  E Grimm has got it down. 

@wsrrsw 

Good to know. I’ve moved on from electronics that rely on AES/USB protocol. IMHO, Ethernet is the way to go as long as you ensure a ‘clean’ signal to your server/dac. 

@lalitk Sure you know the MU2 is an all in one, so it uses ethernet. I tend to shy away from a one box solution but the MU2 bests my MU1 with a Weiss 501 DAC. For those still reading this, I can’t stress enough cleaning up either net. The MU2 has a JCat/Telegartner M12 Gold filter with a JCat PSU and the MU1 uses a Network Acoustics Muon pro Streaming System filter. I have switched the Network Acoustics Muon pro Streaming System and the JCat/Telegartner M12 Gold on the MU1 and MU2 and hear no difference. 
Given the cost of a Roon server, streamer, PSU, cabeling and DAC the MU2 is a bargain. Seriously.