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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- 36 posts total
@bill_k this has a fan but very quiet, not an issue. Just install Roon, maybe a USB driver if vendor provided for DAC (that is the case with my Topping DAC) and good to go. Windows based but lots of headroom, can be used for general purpose computing alongside Roon as needed. Best to opt out on as many Windows setup options as you can in order to preserve compute power for what matters. Initial Windows set up may take an hour or so depending but went smoothly for me. I was up and running with Roon is less than 2 hours. 47000 tracks in my library including local storage (external USB drive) and Qobuz. Lightning fast, very reliable, sounds great. Nothing left on teh table with Roon here IMHO. Cheers!
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@mapman - Thanks for the tips! Actually I was thinking of installing Roon ROCK instead of Windows, here's a brief overview for those not familiar with it. ROCK (Roon Optimized Core Kit) is a stripped-down, purpose-built OS created by Roon that turns your Intel NUC into a single-purpose Roon appliance.
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@bill_k yes that is an option to consider but for most folks running on this hardware with Windows does the trick, is very user friendly, plus you can use it for other things as well as needed. Windows always involves a lot of processing overhead out of the can but in this case it’s a non issue in regards to cost effectiveness and running Roon optimally. |
Note I do run other home audio related apps on the PC as well including dbpoweramp for ripping CDs (cd drive connects easily when needed) and manual tagging, Picard for auto tagging, and Audacity for digital mastering. All Windows based programs I’ve used for years. File backups are also easy to set to help avoid data loss. There are others I could use as well. Windows or IOS tend to be the most familiar OSs for most home users. Roon is the main reason I upgraded to the NUC but there is more to do than just that. I have no interest personally in a Roon proprietary device or OS at this point.
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- 36 posts total