I use a Wolf Audio Alpha 3 as both my Roon core and endpoint connected to my Gryphon DAC by USB. Excellent performance and reliability. Replaced a stand alone Roon core connected via ethernet to an Ayre QX-5/20 DAC. Stereophile has published a couple of reviews.
Roon Core Server Player
I'm thinking about upgrading from my Innuos Zen MkIII. Although there's been a lot written here about what sounds best, I've not seen a discussion of what higher end server/streamer/renderer will work properly as a Roon Core as well as a Roon Endpoint. The Roon Labs website is terrible at helping you find an answer to that question.
I'm looking in the $4k - $8k range and am considering the Innuos Zenith MkIII, the Auralic Aries, 432 EVO Aeon, etc. But I'd prefer to have the Roon Core and Roon Endpoint in the same box.
Roon is somewhat glitchy on the Innuos, but running the Innuos in Roon "Experimental Mode" clearly gives me better SQ than Innuos Sense, their proprietary software. The Auralic reportedly sounds better than the Zenith but it doesn't look like it can be a Roon Core. There's little written about the 432 EVO. Don't want to spend the money for a Grimm.
Anyone know of a brand that has great SQ (in that price range) and runs as both Roon Core and Endpoint?