Assuming you are using the Ethernet input on the Meitner, and you should, virtually any small computer can be used as the server, with the Meitner acting as the Roon endpoint. Of course, a purpose built server will be best, Roon nucleus as an example. If you have a lot of your own music stored on the server or are using convolution filters or other sound processing features of Roon, you will want to aim towards a unit that has some processing power. A well designed server will make a difference.
Streamer/server that works as a Roon core
What makers besides Innuos, Antipodes, and Grimm offer a streamer/server that can also function as a Roon core?
I am currently using an Innuos Zen Mini Mark3 as a server and Roon core. It connects to a Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer, then to a McIntosh MA8950 that powers Sonus faber Olympica Nova IIIs and two Arendal 1723 1V subwoofers.
FWIW, the Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer is an improvement in my system from the Zen Mini streamer into the McIntosh's DAC2, though that pairing was quite satisfying for a number of years.
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The newer Innuos Stream 3 is not only a server/streamer running Roon core and player, but also a DAC (by adding the PhoenixDAC board), which offers:
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@jrdavisphd roon nucleus one is what I use as a server. My Meitner MA3i is a roon end point using its built in network card, via audience Ethernet cable. |
Thank you all. Yes @audphile1 I have Shunyata Gamma cables on order for connecting my Zen Mini Roon core/server to my Meitner MA3i. It's also nice to hear from you and @tump350 regarding your experiences with the Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer. Interesting to read that the MA3i sounded better in @audphile1's system than the Innuos Zenith Mark3. Extrapolating from that, it may be that the Innuos Stream1 or Stream3 would not sound much better, if at all, than the Meitner. My aim is to get a device to support Roon core/server functions that will have better processing capabilities than the Zen Mini, good though it is. I have considered building a NUC or purchasing the Small Green Computer sonicTransporter i7 (which I forgot to mention in my initial post). I wrote the post with its question because it seemed to me that there are few companies that make streamer/servers that can work as a Roon core. The contenders appear to be Innuos, Atipodes, Grimm, Small Green Computer, and DIY NUCs. |
@jrdavisphd slight correction…it was the aurender n200 that I was able to eliminate. |
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