Roon Trial

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.

@mapman ​​​​@mike_in_nc thank you for the feedback. I will look into the Roon room correction. Would you have an opinion as to which room correction to run either the Eversolo or Roon?  I’m assuming you only run one, not both?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

I’ve only  done it with Roon but always good to have options. 
A difference I would expect is if you do  it with the streamer it can be used for all streaming scenarios, not just Roon, to whatever extent that matters for you. 

Hi , I have a Project Streambox Ultra II feeding a DacMagic200m to a pair of Audeze LCD-2’s on my nightstand. I’ve compared the DacMagic to both my Schiit Bifrost and Yiggy. At your price point I’d consider the Schiit Gungir 2 DAC. Also experiment with type and brand of cables. Happy Hunting , Mike B.