Nucleus, is there a better alternative?

Lps on nucleus, FMC with lps, better ethernet cable could all be worthwhile. Since you're only using Nucleus as server, no rendering, not as critical to streaming as it would be otherwise. Antipodes K41 would be my choice for upgraded server only.

K41 seems like a nice item and I guess a glorified nucleus. Not too much info on the processor inside.

I like the idea of the LPS and a better ethernet but a new unit would be a substantial benefit I think

we are a server importer if you are streaming to the x1 a better core will not improve your sound

however footersand a powercord wilimprove the x1

K41 would give you option of server straight into Lumin, no switch needed as Antipodes has two network ports. If you need switch no advantage here, I'd stick with Nucleus, add the lps, very nice server.

Think about a Teddy Pardo power supply For the Nucleus should lower the noise floor.

I run a an Intel NUC10i7 with 32GB RAM and 256 Samsung M.2 SSD running Roon ROCK as my server. It is powered by a Ferum Hypsos hybrid power supply. From there via Shunyata Sigma ethernet cable to a Synergistic Research UEF network switch. Black background and no noise. Runs Roon without crashes. Very snappy. Excellent DSP. All better than my old Innuos Zenith Mk3 server with PhoenixUSB.

A nucliusis Thst that great too begins with , little green computer is much better with a LPS, and going fiber optic can help ,the key don’t buy cheap modules but better brands , uptone audio makes their ether regen thsts takes fiber optic just make sure use use single or multi mode transceiver on both ends same match 

top transceivers around $80 each don’t get the $20 lasers NG 

O and no cheap Ethernet to fiber convertersl8ke the $30 specials too noisy 

This video explains the advantages of fiber optics at the 6:40 mark.  This guy understands digital really well.

Certainly the Nucleus can be beaten, many custom builds will have faster processors, superior RAM than off the shelf items. NUC's can be pretty off the shelf or more diy. Actually, my preferred choice for bang for buck is diy custom build. In very near future will be auditioning Taiko Extreme clone build, major attention to detail with every single part and total design.

Is the optical connection better than ethernet and will eliminate noise? 
I like the converter option and wonder what converters, ie. Fmc, are better. They seem pretty cheap.

I did notice that fmc require a power connection so this means more noise and hopefully this doesn't create a problem, but then again noise is not relevant once the signal hits the optical path.

I’m in a similar boat, had to stop short of completing my digital chain in the last few months but am in need of a server. I’m currently playing files: Macbook (w/ external drive) > Airplay > Airport Express > Mini Toslink > Bricasti M1se w/ network card … I want to run a server to the dac over ethernet, was thinking about getting a Nucleus to throw my files on (about 5tb) and I also use Tidal/Spotify … but on the fence between that and NAS … K41 seems to get a lot of accolades? 

Optical better than ethernet, no mass consensus, much variety of opinion. Unless you have optical internet provider, ethernet somewhere in chain, wish I had choice so could compare full chain of both. After fair bit of experimentation, prefer ethernet prior to server, optical after.

Those are DC power connections to ALL FMC, provided by switch mode power supply (wall wart) or LPS, linear power supply take AC, convert to DC.

Important point many don't think about, optical only eliminates the noise at point it enters FMC, DOESN'T eliminate noise emanating from WITHIN any equipment, cable PRIOR to FMC. This means you don't gain something from using optical vs ethernet, losses due to this noise the same. Theoretical advantage is you're not adding the possibility of more noise via optical cable vs ethernet cable, whether optical or ethernet devices  used are noisier is highly dependent on particular devices used. . Generic FMC are noisy devices, even with full galvanic isolation, losses are losses,  whether you hear this noise or not depends on system resolution. Ethernet devices subject to same noise limitations.

Sonore OpticalModule is an attempt to address this FMC noise issue, I have one on order, waiting on redesign due to chip supply issues.

@au_lait NAS vs internal storage, same deal with wide variety of opinions. Internal storage creates more noise within server, should really have separate power supply, maximum isolation for optimal results. NAS has it's own noise issues and requires more ethernet cabling, also more complexity to set up and operate. My present setup with NAS powered by lps sounds great.

@sns Right, thank you. I have fiberoptic internet service, but not sure what benefit that would grant me unless I went fully optical and even then that would only really matter for the DSPs, not the files? Either way, NAS or server, I’d want to use a LPS, already have a Hynes SR4T that needs a new job. This sounds silly, but because I use the files for work/organizing as much as for pleasure, I’m not in love with Roon as the interface doesn’t allow the list view to be viewed compact enough, and that last interface part of the equation also informs the choice.

@au_lait If I had fiber ethernet service I'd at least try all fiber, only downside is not as much equipment to choose from vs. ethernet. The entire streaming chain affects files/rips on NAS or internal storage,  just as it does with dsp.

Sns,

That’s one hell of an answer thank you.

I thought it eliminated noise to a degree. So if you have a really really good Ethernet cable then maybe that accomplishes the same thing. And the shorter the better.

Also, looking into an audiograde network switch, maybe English8 which I’ve heard good things about. Right now I’m using a $40 netgear switch. I did have an etherregen, but I have mothballed it because I don’t know what the hell it does except create a hell of a lot of heat which I don’t understand

Check out wolf audio 

Fiber optic internet service like fios  only fiber to the pole then regular copper cable to the house 

little green computer sell Ethernet to fiber converters 

I use the uptone ether regen that has a fiber optic input ,there multi regulators 

regen all noise ,buy one at the router and other end , most expensive is at the dac side it has a Ethernet to USB if running a external dac ,imo  a top notch dac has much better isolation and LPS , especially Multibit R2R dacs .

Same here, my fiber optic line runs from pole, through wall to an optical box in the house, then ethernet to a router and coax to a few extenders (simply because the coax runs were already here when i move in) but the extenders are pretty crap.

Sonore OpticalRendu and OpticalModule no longer available, They are having to be redesigned due to chip shortages, I have OpticalModule on order for perhaps two month, who knows how much longer wait.

@emergingsoul  FMC does BLOCK noise at point where optical cable comes out of first FMC. it does not ELIMINATE noise created at any point prior to that. The entire streaming chain still subject to signal loss due to noise, same as with ethernet. Theoretical advantage of optical wholly based on proposition it totally blocks noise vs. ethernet which may continue to pass along noise produced upstream. Ethernet filters reportedly effective in blocking this noise. I will soon be comparing Acoustic Network Muon to FMC prior to server.

Network switches seem to be a great source for creating lots of noise. So do the network switches limit the noise being created?

A network switch is like an orgy of traffic because of all the Sharing of netwerk that goes on

You are correct, that's why they have audiophile switches, supposed to limit noise. I did try audiophile switch, preferred router with no switch, router powered with lps. Guess I'm lucky with no need of switch in my setup, why add another component if not needed, addition by subtraction.

Having said that, I assume audiophile switches superior to regular switch, this based on positive reviews of many.

K41 is a nice solution.  It offers an extremely clean ethernet input.  I have tried it as an alternative to the Nucleus + as that is my other server.  This will be an improvement as the processor is quieter and the direct connect from Antipodes to X1 should provide a cleaner connection than just about anything else.  

I have a customer who is running one (K40) with a Weiss and it is extremely effective.  

Incidentally, I am an Antipodes dealer and a Roon dealer.  

My understanding is that an LPS on a Nucleus or Nuc ONLY makes a difference if you’re going straight from the Nucleus or Nuc into your Roon Endpoint by USB.

if you’re connecting to the endpoint through the network, it makes no difference.

@jumia, a Roon Nucleus with a good LPS makes sense if you’re all in on using Roon like I do to just pick music tracks from Tidal and Qobuz. With my Apple iPad and iPhone it is super easy to navigate through tens of millions of songs and albums at the touch of my finger.

I keep the signal path from my router to my headphones as simple and short as possible. To me what’s more important than having a fancy music server and/or streamer is having clean power running through your system, and eliminating as much RFI and EMI as possible from getting into your mains. That way you can have an inky black sonic floor that lets you enjoy the soundtrack from my daughters favorite movie right now. Disney’s Lightyear.

Regarding the Sonore opticalRendu and opticalModule Deluxe.  We continue to have opticalRendus in stock. The opticalRendu is undergoing a redesign which we do not yet have a delivery date for.  The new opticalModule Deluxe is in production.  Once we have a firm ship date, will will let everyone know.    

Mr. small green computer,

Why does the etherregen run so hot? It makes no sense at all. I have huge amps and some with tubes and they don't run nearly as hot as this thing does.

It seems rather dangerous to have a specifications let's say it's acceptable for it to reach 130°. Just seems crazy to me

Andrew, thought I saw OpticalRendu out of stock a few weeks ago. Anyway good to know they're in stock and OpticalModule now in production, looking forward to hearing OM (already have OR) in my system.