Roon Nucleus as a Streamer

It all depends on your needs. For me, getting a Nucleus was an "easy" button that fit my system needs.

I bought a nice DAC and wanted to use it in my main system. I had also been considering moving to Roon. I found a used Nucleus at a very good price. It allowed me to use the DAC in my main system without adding another streaming device, and allowed me to use that DAC with Roon. The DAC isn’t "Roon Ready", but connecting it directly to the Nucleus made that a non-issue.

Using the Nucleus allowed me to copy my digitial files over to its hard drive and send them directly to the DAC instead of over my network and kept the Roon Core off my already somewhat bogged down computer.

It was the perfect solution for my needs. It might not be for yours.

It would be helpful if we understood what you're currently using for a DAC.  If your goal is to keep your DAC then you've received some helpful feedback.  It sounds like perhaps you don't have the DAC yet either. 

If that's the case, then the easy button may be to simply get a combined streamer and DAC.  Most will come with a free app that will allow you to stream music from Tidal and Qobuz and depending on what you get there are a number of aftermarket apps that are free or close to free that may provide a better user experience than the manufacturer's app.

@navyachts Quality of streamer/DAC combos varies.  The Bluesound units are so-so, but a good value for the money.  I have a couple of TEAC NT-505 units that I really like.  The newest TEAC Streamer/DAC uses different chips, so I'm not sure it's as good as the one I have which uses AKM chips.  I've heard Lumin units that sound very nice.  Many options. 

I think you're better off buying a better unit than a Bluesound if your budget allows as opposed to adding another DAC to it.  Not quite the same as putting lipstick on a pig, but you'd be better off just getting something better to start with than putting a bunch of band-aids on a Bluesound.  My opinion only of course.  I have tried it and speak from experience.  Others may have different experiences.

@navyachts I'm not the previous poster, but I use my Nucleus exactly as you described it.  Ethernet connection to the nucleus.  My DAC (which is NOT Roon Ready) connects to it via USB allowing me to stream to it using Roon.  I have two other systems connected to Roon with the Nucleus sitting on my network and handling Core duties.  This allows me to use Ethernet to connect my two other systems instead of a USB connection.

@navyachts 

big_greg - Thanks Greg. I tried to pull up your system, but it wouldn't load for me? I just wanted to check it out.

Off the subject, when you reply on these thread how do you get the @ in front of the members handle when you reply, like this:

@big_greg

I don't have a virtual system.  I've thought about it, but never find time.  Not to mention I have 4 systems and rotate a lot of gear through the main system, so I'd constantly be updating.  That has slowed down, so maybe someday...

Here's the digital part of my system - 

Roon Nucleus

Aqua La Voce S3 DAC

Connected to a Herron Audio VTSP-360 preamp, Ampzilla 2000 Second Edition monoblock amps, KEF Reference 1 speakers.

To get the "@" just type @ and the person's "handle" and it should show up.  Might take a few seconds and can be finicky on mobile devices. 

@navyachts  I'm really happy with the Aqua DAC. I find myself getting frustrated that I can't get my more expensive vinyl front end to sound as good.