Roon Trial

My biggest SQ bump was moving the ROON core off a MAC computer to a dedicated server.  I went with and SGC ST, got some decent ethernet cabling and switched over to a Mesh network with a mesh node hardwire to server and endpoint.

I’ve found you definitely want a good DAC.  Also that running a Roon windows endpoint and using dedicated Windows WASAPI over usb2  to DAC is very cost effective and works extremely well.   

@jbuhl - appreciate the comment. That is likely the next move.  It’s a very old Mac, but I think a nucleus is likely in the cards for me. It may be slightly more straightforward- and at this stage I am all about trying to make my life easier. (But then I did get into this hobby, so what was I thinking?)

I’d run Roon core/server on the mac for now and see how it performs first before changing anything.

Eversolo T8 is a great place to be.

Compare it to using the Mac as a source just for kicks and see how the two compare.  USing different outputs to DAC from T8 will likely also have some differences....experiment and see what sounds best.   I’d use usb over spdif or TOSlink, but try each and find out for yourself.  IT’s teh only way to know for sure.

Cambridge DacMagic,  good place to start.   GEt a feel for it first before changing.

You have all the needed tools and 2 months to play around and see what works best.   I would not change a thing until afterwards, if needed.

If you have the time and desire, don't forget to consider running room correction in Roon DSP by creating a convolution filter with REW software on your Mac and using it in Roon.  THat alone can be a game changer for best sound.

+1 mapman

Optimize what you have before you start shopping, is my advice.