Best Server To Run Roon Core

When I was considering Roon, one of the important criteria was to choose a component that doesn’t rely on external server and associated LPS, cabling and isolation. 

One such component is Merging Technologies +player which sports an onboard CPU that allows running RoonCore on Linux RoonOS and implements a Roon Endpoint. It connects internally through Ravenna to the MERGING+NADAC (DAC) hardware and enjoys then the exact same characteristics and flexibility as an external computer running Roon. Pretty nifty, isn’t it :-) 

In addition to full blown Roon Server / DAC, it comes with a PRE and Headphone DAC. 

@fastfreight 

Are you using a linear power supply with Nucleus plus? I couldn’t tell from your system description…..something like Teddy Pardo PS would be a substantial upgrade. 

@fastfreight 

Looking forward to your impressions on Pro vs Std Muon. There is a custom NUC option readily available off Amazon but not sure how much of an upgrade that would be over Nucleus +.  Many user reported issues / repairs with Nucleus so I recognize at some point you will be getting a replacement. 

“handful of companies have proven to work quickest and most effectively with the Roon team to minimize issues.”
 

This should be a prime consideration of picking Roon compatible hardware. My Merging +player has worked flawlessly from day one and updates are instantaneous and seamless.

@newtoncr, 

You have a beautiful system. Thanks for your feedback. 
Enjoy! 

@jmarshak,

Roon Nucleus is a very capable server and renderer. But don’t expect it to sound nearly as good as your existing streamer :-) You need atleast two components (three if you add LPS to Nucleus) if you follow Roon recommended path plus ipad or a tablet for Roon app,

1. Nucleus or laptop or NAS
2. Audio Device (roon endpoint or renderer) ...like SimAudio MiND or EMM Labs NS1

Or you can buy a Innuos Zenith MKIII or Statement that has the both server / rendering functionality. One box, two in case of Statement.

Then there is everything in-between for you to explore.

Also check out Wolf Audio. Another well respected member @david_ten is well versed with Roon. He was a beacon of light for me to navigate through the often confusing Roon lingo. You asked for very best Roon experience and sound......read about Taiko Extreme or Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra.

Enjoy the ride!

@decathlon1991,

If you would like to further improve the SQ of Cary, try ENO Ethernet Filter Ag between your Cary and the router. It’s based on a same principle as EtherREGEN but works passively. You can read about it on this thread.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streaming-sound-quality-want-the-very-best-sound-quality-netw...

“Scary satisfying sound coming out of the modified NUCs with our DACs,”

@jmarshak 

I bet your $20K DAC w/Roon end point has lot to do with the scary satisfying sound 😉

@fastfreight 

If you are already using a LPS with Nucleus plus then the next (upgrade) step would be a custom made server with optimized USB. Consider reaching out to Wolf Audio for a tailor made solution. 

@fastfreight

Thanks for sharing your impressions. I am glad to hear you’re loving the Muon Pro, the praises are unanimous so far with streamers that are designed for 1Gb/s Ethernet. I find it quite interesting Muon Pro’s impact ahead of M12 switch which is pretty phenomenal on its own. I wonder if the long run of Supra CAT 8 is somewhat diminishing M12 efficacy over such long distance from Aries. An interesting test would be to remove M12 from the equation and listen to Aries with Muon Pro to access if you miss M12 performance.

I have been eyeing upcoming Telegartner’s OPT BRIDGE 1000M, according to Marcin (JCAT) using OPT BRIDGE ahead of M12 adds clarity, improves articulation while making the sound more analogue. He was skeptical given the price of BRIDGE powered by OPTIMO 3 DUO but the improvement is substantial enough to take the plunge 😊

“Or perhaps I will order a Grimm MU1!”

@fastfreight 

You certainly can but another user of MU1 also found Muon Pro + Rubicon switch to be highly effective ahead of MU1 :-)