Streamer/server that works as a Roon core

@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.  

 

So did the op decide on a server /streamer or narrowed down the choices?

@willgolf I've narrowed my search down to Baetis, Innuos, and Antipodes.