Options to improve digital sound

So I use the Sonic Transporter on my network but rather than using a noisy computer to control Roon, I just use a decent streamer connected i2S to my dac. Sounds awesome. 

@tony1954 , good point.

@walt8489 ,

you have some decent equipment going into the game.

My 2 cents-

What is the input cabling? How does it arrive at the DAC?

I second getting a good streamer. Aurrender and Innuos are two very good brands.

I have no experience with Apple products, but from a short Googling, it looks like the Mini Mac isn't expressly designed for music reproduction, leading me to suggest products made for the task. Though some might disagree, I believe that there is a difference in how digital audio products are made vs. generic.

HTH

Bob 

There seems to be a definite consensus that a dedicated streamer is preferred over the Mini connecting to a UltraRendu and then the DAC.  One reason I am looking at the SonicTransporter is that it can be a Roon server.  I think Audirvana can also be loaded onto it.  That is not the case with Aurender and I'm not sure about Innous. 

I could stretch the budget by $1000 or so.  Any other suggestions for a dedicated streamer, preferably one where Roon can be loaded as a server (as opposed to just an end point) are appreciated.

mac mini is definitely not the best streamer.
if Roon is in the picture here I would keep it simple and run the roon core on mac mini and get a dedicated streamer that’s a roon endpoint. Not a fan of a server/streamer combo and at this price point there’s most likely no solution without a compromise with a one box unit. For Roon endpoint you can try Lumin U2 or Aurender N200 for example. 
Also don’t forget the USB cable makes a pretty significant difference. Good Ethernet cables can also improve sound. 

I agree with the consensus.  Keep the Mac Mini, it's a very handy thing to have in the system, but get a streamer or renderer.  I'd recommend one with an I2S output for the Holo.  Any quality renderer will have options for running Roon or Audirvana.  In fact Audirvana now makes an embedded Linux version that operates directly from the streamer and can be controlled from a portable device with their remote app.  If you like Audirvana, look for a device that encorporates this.  You can check their web page for cooperating manufacturers.  The Holo Red is a very affordable streamer that would be a great match for the May.