2019 Mac Pro vs. Roon


I'm struggling to understand how a music server would differ from my 2019 Mac Pro (Mac Pro - not MacBook Pro - using Audirvana or Roon software) or a Marantz SACD 30n with attached usb storage. As far as the SACD 30n goes, I understand that you would lose a User Interface, but would sound quality suffer?

Thanks in advance,

Yet Another Noob

noob504

Showing 1 response by sns

I can think of one area where your computer would have advantage over most  dedicated server, in that you have powerful processor, great if one is using dsp such as HQPlayer. In just about every other way, GS computer inferior. Noise is the culprit, noise generated by multiple processes running on motherboards. Dedicated servers limit this noise by running minimal processes, this requires major optimization of operating systems, which means eliminating most  GS computer capability, also many hardware changes, especially in the best of these servers.

 

On the other hand, unless one is willing to to deep dive with streaming, meaning high sound quality, don't bother. Deep dive means optimizing entire network and chosen source connections, such as usb, i2s, aes/ebu, clean power supplies, ie, linear power supplies on virtually everything. Streaming only for convenience, GS computer fine. Be prepared for complexity and continual upgrading if serious about sound quality.