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

I went through a series of three minis, unique upgrades with each. I'd say the two most substantial improvements were in order of importance, lps then OS optimization. The Uptone MMK no longer available, don't know of another solution, minus another option I wouldn't continue with mini, quality power supplies are extremely important for any streamer. If you could find a used MMK, bundle that with an Uptone JS-2 lps, extremely high quality choke based power supply. As for OS optimization I shut down virtually every conceivable service, even to extent of going into DOS and changing command lines (this can be risky if you don't know what you're doing). Hopefully you're not using wifi with the mini, remove antenna, this is noise maker. There were any number of guides as to how to optimize minis for high quality streaming, hopefully these still out there. In any case there is a fair amount of diy involved, if not willing or able, I'm sure you'll get many suggestions for off the shelf streamers.

I ditched the Mini years ago and moved to an SGC i5 with Sonicorbiter OS to run the ROON core.  Sounds way better than my Mini did.  Wouldn't dream of going back. 

Ideally get a Roon endpoint dedicated streamer, buy used.

Optionally, put a Singxer SU-6 DDC in between the Mac and DAC, and add a good SPDIF cable to your DAC, it will be a very significant upgrade to your sound. Also, debatable, but free, upgrade your Mac to use Ubuntu rather than the Mac OS. 

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

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. 

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.

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.