hello op
we have a ton of experience with Roon as well as other servers and streamers.
First We were aureder dealers then an innous dealer the Innous sounded far better we tested sotm lumin and many others.
The Stereophile comment is very wrong the statement sounds far better if you are using usb and yes demoed that way the difference is very audible via ethernet there would be no difference.
fast forward we found a thread New to the forum: high end music server with Roon Core and 3 x dedicated linear power supplies | What’s Best Audio and Video Forum. The Best High End Audio Forum on the planet! (whatsbestforum.com)
the poster found the 5k 432evo Aeon sounded nearly as good as theese 10k euro servers
The Aeon has a very rich and Musical presentation. and we have compared it to the nucleus and the Aeon sounds far better.
may/ june Absolute Sound Andrew Quint reviewed 432Evo Aeon and found the Aeon to be best sounding server I have heard. in fact he purchased the sample..
as per dacs the Aqua hifi dacs are very musical and are fully modular and upgrad able as they are ladder dacs they are very smooth and natural sounding.
Dave and Troy
Audio intellect nj
US importer 432Evo music servers AQua hifi rdealer focal dealer