Hi @neonknight, I would expect most everyone here will say a nice dedicated streamer will hands down beat a computer used as a streamer. And, like many, I to used a Mac Mini to run roon core and stream when I got started in digital. Today, I have auditioned many different streamers in my systems, and they all sound better, and they all sound different, at different price points. Members who state they use this or that and do not have issues are correct, but they often have not tried better streamers. From Wii to Bluesound, to low end, and to high end, they all get better. What gets better? Everything. Bass, timber, quiet background, soundstage, resolution, you name it.
Which makes me wonder, how much does the computer have to do with sound?
Lots. why? Noise probably number one. computers are just plain noisy, as they run multiple functions. Streamers are optimized for sound.
I believe I would still have to use the Nuc to store Roon, and stream Qobuz.
Yes and no. For Roon, you do need a Roon Server. Mine lives in my Grimm MU1, which is also a streamer. So I have eliminated a separate device, power cable and interconnect. The Grimm does a fantastic job running Roon, and also Serves roon to my second, better Streamer and DAC as it is on my network, just like your NUC. Many Streamers run Qobuz natively, and do not need Roon at all. I personally like Roon so I use it always.
Also, with the conversion that the DAC does and its reclocking, does it also negate any benefits of the streamer?
This depends on the connection used from the streamer to the DAC. USB from the streamer will eliminate the clocking in the streamer and rely on the clock in the DAC. AES or Coax will cary the clocking from the streamer to the DAC and bypass the DAC's clocking. It is all about where you have a better clock and what sounds better to your ears. With my Grimm MU1 into a Tambaqui, I like AES. With my Auralic Aries G2.2 into my amazing Master Fidelity Nadacs, USB is clearly the way to go. Many times the preference is determined by cable quality.
Finally, as you use Roon,, you have selected a software to organize and select your music. Most higher end streamers have their own proprietary software. Auralic's is Lightening. Innuos' is Sense. Aurender's is Conductor. They all do a fine job of organizing and playing music, but are all different. Most like what they are used to. I like Roon, but many love their brands software. If this is the case, you don't need Roon.
Pick a brand and try it. You will soon know if you want to use their software or want to use Roon. And if you have Roon, you can use it with ANY of these brands. You don't have to use their software to use their streamer if they are Roon Certified.