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Music Server Advice

I’m an analog guy moving up the digital path and I’m asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I’m keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I’m not letting go of the D-05x!) I’ve used Roon since its inception but I’ve tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana.

Recently owned/auditioned:

Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)

Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn’t listen to very long, fatiguing

Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock

Under Consideration:

- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app

- Aurender N200...get used to their app

- Antipodes...

- 432evo

I’m open to suggestions!

Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia.

Listen to 95% Jazz.

Appreciate all responses in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xcommunique1

Showing 4 responses by thyname

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

@communique1 @willywonka : thanks! Embracing Roon is a good move from Aurender. Actually Win-Win for both Aurender and Roon. It will open their markets to potentially larger audiences.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

The D-05x is a Roon endpoint.

If you fed your D-05x via USB from NUC, the D-05x in not an endpoint. Endpoint is the Roon lingo for "streamer". The NUC would be in your scenario both the Roon Core and the Roon Endpoint. Not optimal for sure, certainly not optimal to use the NUC as the streamer. 

I you really like to try Innuos, you can get a ZENith or a Statement, that can be both the Core and the Streamer, feeding your DAC (the D-05x) via USB.

I also assume you know Aurender does not do Roon? You should know since you have had Roon since inception. 

 

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

How do you feed your Esoteric D-05x from your NUC?

 

By the way, the Innuos Pulse you mention is not a server. It is just a streamer. You would still be running Roon Core in your NUC with it, there is no other way to use Roon with Innuos Pulse. You would need a separate machine for server (Roon Core) duties.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

I got word that Aurender will include Roon integration as an option in a few months

Really? Aurender have said they will never ever integrate Roon for years now. And have been very vocal and firm about Roon. I am surprised. What was your source, can you share?

 

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