Streamer/server that works as a Roon core

@tee_dee 

I have that setup with a QNAP RAID NAS, linked by fiber ethernet to a custom Pareto Audio server with 16TB of M.2 storage.  It's possible to make comparisons with either unit serving as Roon host playing the music library on either unit.  Unsurprisingly, the best sound is with Roon and the music library both on the Pareto server.  But it's not too far off of that performance with Pareto as Roon host playing the library on QNAP. 

@buzz thank you for the information about Baetis Audio. I just spoke with Joe Makkerh who was very helpful in describing his products/options and how they would likely improve the audio quality of my specific system. It appears likely, at least in my case, that using their Prodigy-level computer for Roon core functionality will support better sound than what I hear now when I use my entry-level (now discontinued) Innuos Zen Mini Mark3 with SSD and LPSU for my Roon core.

@jrdavisphd , you are very welcome. You will not be disappointed going in the Baetis direction.  Impressive build quality and sonic results. Another benefit of my unit is that it has a built-in CD ripper.

You should look at Lucas Audio LDMS.  Lucas Domansky is a computer genius.  I have owned three of them.  totally customizable, fantastic customer service and I would put this up against Taiko for a quarter of the money

I have used a Wolf Audio Systems Alpha 3SX as my Roon Core server and streamer for years.  My NAS has 11TB of files many high res and DSD with no issues along with Qobuz.  USB connection from the Wolf’s upgraded reclocker output to my Lampizator DAC.