Server/Streamer - sonicTransporter i9 and Signature Rendu SE

Seems to be a lack of interest in this topic based on my receiving only two responses both of which are from retailers selling servers.

I have been doing on-line research and, outside of some signal manipulation options offered by a few of the upper end servers, I have not read about any specific reasons that a $10K+ server is necessary for improved audio, particularly if Roon is the primary music source (both streaming and playing stored music files) and especially when using an outboard endpoint (or renderer/streamer) so the core and endpoint are not located within the same box.

It seems many use Roon’s own Nucleus and/or Nucleus+ successfully in even high end systems (e.g., John Atkinson uses a Roon Nucleus+ in his review system). However, the Nucleus+ is no longer available from Roon (although the less powerful Nucleus is available) and Intel will no longer be making their NUCs (Next Unit of Computing).

In my world, where my main digital source is through Roon (either streaming or playing my own music files), a relatively powerful but not too expensive server solution similar to the Nucleus+ or SGC’s sonicTransporter i9, along with a high quality outboard endpoint, seems to be the answer. Another reason not to overspend on a server is that no matter what server I purchase, I can be assured it will be obsolete in about 5 years. Just look at the history of Antipodes’ many server upgrades (I still own the former flagship DX3). I am also going to look harder at the option to position the server near my router and the endpoint near my DAC and the rest of my system. I can connect a high quality switch directly to the router and then wire both the server and the endpoint to the same switch using an isolator such as fiber or one of the Network Acoustics filters just before the endpoint.

Based on my reading, the important features of a server are that it is dedicated to the audio system only, the processing is fast enough, the power supply is sufficient and quiet, the unit is fanless, and the OS is preferably some Linux variant, which many of the successful servers use for music. On-board SSD file storage, easy storage of ripped CDs, easy transferring/storing of music files, headless operation, and responsive upgrade/technical support are also be important to me.

I am still interested in hearing from folks who have found reasons they believe spending north of $10K on a server is necessary for great sound. Based on my current understanding, I will look at spending that money elsewhere in my system.

Since starting this thread, I have been fortunate to recently try some stuff that has made significant improvements to my digital front end.

Sonore Signature Rendu SE

I recently added the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical as a Roon endpoint/streamer instead of using either USB directly out of my Mojo Audio DejaVu streamer or using Metrum's Ambre (a Raspberry Pi with LPS and Femto clocks) as an endpoint.  I also added a Sonore opticalModule to convert to fiber, which feeds the Sig Rendu SE.  To me, using the Sig Rendu SE results in a more musical presentation without any noticeable downsides.  Specific improvements I hear are related to tonal density, smoothness/roundness, and dimensionality. I was already using fiber in my system so the improvements I hear are primarily a result of the digital design of the Sig Rendu SE and not the optical/fiber connection.

Sonore ultraDigital Converter

I have recently been comparing four DACs in my system (Mojo EVO Pro, SMc DAC-2, Tambaqui, and BM DAC3 HGC) and the Sig Rendu SE improved the sound from all of them. However, the SMc DAC-2 only accepts a coax input so Andrew at Small Green Computer suggested using Sonore's ultraDigital converter to accept a USB input from the Sig Rendu SE and then output coax into the SMc DAC-2.  As Andrew predicted, the result was to hear the same level of improvements resulting from the Sig Rendu SE as I heard with the other three DACs that are using a direct USB connection to the Sig Rendu SE.  The tonal improvements and smoothness ameliorated some high frequency issues I was hearing when playing the SMc DAC-2 through the Ambre and basically put that DAC on the same level as the other three.

Digital Set-Up

Using the Sig Rendu SE and opticalModule prompted me to make other changes to my digital delivery set-up.  I established an IT/server area in a separate room (away from my system) which includes a dedicated 20A line, modem, Orbi mesh router base unit, DejaVu Server, and all digital peripherals.  I provided an optical/fiber break in the connection between the router and server, and the only direct wired connection between the digital area and my music system is 45 feet of fiber between the opticalModule and the Sig Rendu SE.  All equipment is powered by linear supplies.

Small Green Computer sonicTransporter i9

I have enjoyed the improvements from the Sonore stuff so much I decided to order a SGC sonicTransporter i9, which will connect directly with my Sig Rendu SE through the fiber cable.  Freeing up the opticalModule will allow me to establish another fiber/optical break to the connection between my modem and router, which will result in fiber/optical breaks between modem/router, router/server, and router/streamer.  I will update on what I hear when it gets here.

Thanks Mitch2 for posting your impressions.