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

It's my understanding that their AMD CPUs were the limiting factor. They now use Intels. Also, I use Roon strictly for the interface. I use none of the upsampling, DSP, or EQ options. I let my DAC take care of that if I find the need.

@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.

Received my N200 this afternoon. I haven't listened yet, waiting for the transfer of files from NAS to internal SSD. I installed 8TB QVO. (Transfering @3TB...an overnight task.) Setup has been easy so far. Impressively solid unit. A great match with my Esoteric components. 

Not "Roon Ready" yet. This is a feature coming in the near future if I understand it correctly. However, you can use Roon via Airplay. I'm getting used to the App and it's not too bad....a moderate learning curve. but I'm quite happy with its performance so far and I find myself not missing Roon as much as I thought I would.