Need DAC/Streaming Advice

Roon is a great app.  I switched from Logitech Media Server (LMS) a few months ago and haven't looked back.

If you plan to use Roon DSP, you will need a fairly robust computer or device to run Roon core.  DSP use is not mandatory.  I think it makes for a much better listening experience and does improve SQ.  I use Headroom Management, Sample Rate Conversion, and the Parametric EQ filter.  I also use volume leveling.  I'm still learning how to use DSP, but overall, I'm quite satisfied with my results.

My source is an Innuos Zenith MKII network media server/CD ripper.  Roon core runs on a sonicTransporter for Roon DSP.  If you are looking for an excellent media server/CD ripper, take a look at Innous products.  The Zenith line is relatively pricey, the Zen line is far less expensive with basically the same functional capabilities as a Zenith. 

• With an Innous product, you will need an external DAC
• Innous products can decode/render MQA files
• Innous products are Roon ready and can run Roon core (My older MKII runs Roon core, but isn't powerful enough to run Roon core with DSP.  The newer MK3 version can.)

I have a NAD M12 pre/dac with BluOS module (that I installed). I used the BluOS module with LMS.  Since switching to Roon, I don't use the BluOS module and I've purchased a Mytek Liberty DAC.  If you plan to use Roon, I wouldn't base my streamer decision on whether it has MQA or not. Just let Roon handle it. I would not have purchased the M12 BluOS module if I'd starting using Roon before buying the M12.

Roon handles MQA unfolding and, because I use Roon DSP, the Liberty feeds the M12 a PCM stream.  I done a few BluOS MQA versus Roon MQA comparisons.  At the same volume setting, BluOS MQA is brighter and louder than Roon MQA.  I attribute that to my use of Roon DSP Headroom Management and Parametric EQ filter.  Both sound great, I like the Roon MQA sound better.

Lastly, if at all possible, use Ethernet cable to your endpoints.  I use WiFi in my secondary system (Verizon FIOS Quantum Gateway router with Orbi RBR50 WAP and satellite).  The WiFi signal blankets my house, but I still get an occasional dropout.  My main system is all Ethernet, with no network connectivity issues!  

@puppyt 

What are the rest of your associated equipments? I would highly recommend either Linn DS (digital streamer/DAC) such as the Linn Akurate DS or the Linn Klimax DS if you can afford them or any Naim streamer/DAC if you can also afford them as they both are expensive.
Both Linn & Naim are highly musical sounding streamer/DAC units. Musicality wise I would give an edge to Naim.

Someone mentioned about the Naim Uniti Nova in a previous post. The Naim Uniti Nova is a digital streamer/DAC/integrated amp all in one box solution. If you already have an integrated amp or preamp/power amp combo I wouldn't get the Naim Uniti Nova. I would get a dedicated Naim streamer/DAC unit like those in its 200 or 500 series but they are very expensive especially the 500 series streamer/DAC but are highly musical. 

@ghulamr 
Sorry for the very late response. I understand you would like to keep using Apple Music but at the same time you are not very fond of airplay 2. Just my opinion here: I think a sort of a compromise can be achieved where you improve the main system (living room) but accept the use of airplay in less important zones / end points. To that end you could use a Mac mini / MacBook Air etc. feeding your dac directly (you can even add a usb to spiff bridge for even better results). This means that you would have your iTunes library on the Mac mini and then you use the iTunes remote from your phone to control playback etc. You can send airplay streams from the Mac mini to other rooms. All this means a Mac + dac for your main system (avoiding airplay) and airplay for the rest of the rooms where you can accept a (potential) quality compromise. Even a 2014 Mac mini with a reasonable SSD would do the job and then you can go crazy if you want with improving the output with DACs etc.

One thing to keep in mind with the above route... avoid DACs or DSP that may introduce delay. For example, older Chord dacs or Naim Dac V1 etc... they use a buffer which introduces a delay. Why does this matter? You will not be able to have perfect sync between your Mac mini (living room) and any other airplay enabled room. The annoying echo will drive you nuts :-o. Most DACs are fine though (no buffer).

Just an idea, hope it helps

Just now experimenting with Roon DSP. (Recently dumped Tidal for Qobuz.)

Not sure if I'm hearing expectation bias, but my impressions are the the DSP settings give a much more "near field" experience from my normal perch of approx 18 ft from my Harbeth m30.2/HSU ULS-15 MKS subs. Hearing greater delineation /space/air between voices. 
Also, seems to take a bit of upper register "sheen" away at higher dB settings.

Haven't played yet with EQ, as I'm pretty happy with balance of Harbeths and subs together.  

I got my initial settings from this Archimago's Musings post - though I confess 90% of the article is Greek to me (I looked up 64 bit floating point which served to reignite all my high school feelings of math inadequacy...)
http://archimago.blogspot.com/2019/04/measurements-roon-16-upsampling-digital.html?m=1

DSP settings I'm using are:
Head Room Mgmt: ENABLED (using default -3dB)
Sample Rate Conversion: PRECISE LINEAR PHASE
DSD Processing Settings: 7TH ORDER (CLANS)
Other settings are default.

Rest of system is:
Modwright/OPPO Sonica DAC
Fidelizer Nimtra S Server
AQ-VOX SE Switch
PS Audio BHK Signature preamp
PS Audio BHK 300 monos