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Maximize Mini with Roon to match my system -- or new component?

Hello Fantastic Audiogon Community!

 

I seek some advice regarding how to plan the next few upgrades to what I am beginning to understand has been a neglected and critical component to my system. The Mac mini.

 

Details of my system, which has undergone a complete upgrade in the past year both digitally and analogue:

 

(And thank you in advance to this incredible insightful and passionate community! I have combed through the forums for specifics on these questions already and am both impressed and still seeking advice….)

 

  • SPEAKERS: Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horn (Mundorf Silver Gold Oil Cap upgrade and high pass filter, Duelund 16 internal wiring and speaker cables to amp)
  • AMP: PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated (Gold Lion KT77 power tubes, Briar and Mullard NOS gain tubes)
  • DAC: HoloAudio Spring 2 Level 3 Kitsune edition
  • PHONO: Music Hall MMF-9 and McIntosh MP 100 Preamp (but I’m focusing on the digital for this thread)
  • INTERCONNECTS: Duelund 16 (Perfection interconnect)
  • MAC MINI: M2 Chip, 8GB Ram, 245GB External HD through USB C, Generic USB Cable to the DAC. Roon Core.

 

I for now am mostly wanting to maximize the Mac mini so that it is as perfect as possible running Roon with Qubuz.

 

However I am also curious what you all believe is the “appropriate” upgrade to my digital stream, to match the rest of my components.

 

I am a minimalist with hardware (?!) and would like the future splurge on this to be on something that lasts, doesn’t have a screen, and doesn’t require any maintenance… just runs for a decade. I am loving Roon. Most of my old digital library is burned from CD, so I tend to listen to streamed files as they are the same or higher quality (?). I am happy with the HoloAudio DAC.

 

QUESTIONS:

 

  • How do I maximize my current system with affordable (sub 1K) adjustments and upgrades to the software and hardware?
  • The Mac Mini unit is headless, and I typically have the Roon app open on this Mac mini and control it from my iPad. Is the “Roon Core” a background app, and should I quit the “Roon” app?)
  • Upgrade USB Cable?
  • Power Supplies?
  • If I were to get rid of the mini, what would be a new digital component that runs Roon well and matches the rest of my system?

 

 

THANK YOU ALL!

BRILLIANT PASSIONATE LOVERS OF MUSIC HALLUCINATION MACHINES!

 

R.

 

P.S.: I have been following this thread regarding Streamers, similar OP setup, but was wanting to focus on the Mac mini for now... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/options-to-improve-digital-sound?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid

 

 

whyrichard
whyrichard OP
14 posts
 

Thank you all for your feedback... lots to process....

 

The Singxer SU-6 DDC ($700ish on ebay) is an interesting option... how would this setup compare do you think to spending a 2-3k on a dedicated Roon streamer? 

 

Thanks,

Richard

sns
3,921 posts
 

Dedicated streamer in your price range is far better investment vs SU6 or any DDC.  DDC is marginal improvement vs a quality streamer, these icing on the cake, and then only for dac's with I2S input. I previously owned Su6 and now own Denafrips Gaia, these are some of the LAST components to purchase. At 2-3K price level the Sonic transporter would be good move. At some point later down road, separate Roon Endpoint will be further upgrade\. I've been down these roads, speak from direct experience. 

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,889 posts
 

Mac Mini a good choice for Roon core/server.

General purpose computers in general tend to be somewhat noisy so not sure if any general purpose computer is best choice to run a streamer, Roon or otherwise.  I’d look into a good quality dedicated streamer just to compare and find out if better.  I run a Cambridge mxn10 streamer for Roon and can definitely recommend that as a low cost high quality option to consider.

 

Also if using USB from a computer you want to be using usb audio class 2 (uac2) and usb 2 or 3 to support higher data rates.

soix
10,223 posts
 

Ditch the Mini ASAP — huge bottleneck to your otherwise nice sytem.  Unless you’re planning on keeping it for a long time, throwing more $$$ at the Mini is a waste IMHO and would make much more sense to put those funds toward a dedicated streamer.  Innuos makes streamers at several price points and come with their Sense app that’s widely regarded as the best and most user-friendly app in the biz, and several have even dumped Roon it’s so good but I believe it works as a Roon endpoint if you wanna stick with it.  If you give a budget you’ll get more specific recommendations.  Best of luck. 

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