Best Server To Run Roon Core


Hi Folks,

I don’t currently run ROON, but would like to begin correctly in order to give it a chance - and I understand that server (hardware) on which Roon core is installed is important for SQ (due to noise reduction and other factors).

What are the best hardware for SQ and usability where ROON core should be installed and why (be it audiophile dedicated servers or modified PCs)? Please comment on the rest of your setup for context if you could.

Thank you in advance.


Ag insider logo xs@2xjmarshak
Hello everyone. Thank you for this valuable information. This was a huge help and I greatly appreciate it. It was a tough decision but I’ve decided to go with two of the ENO Ethernet Filter Ag over the EtherRegen. They are both great products but after speaking with some of my electrical engineering friends , I didn’t want to add another powered unit to my already existing quiet system. Thanks again for the help.
@anzaanimalclinic

Thank you for sharing. This is precisely the kind of information I was hoping for when starting this thread.

Regarding:  "I purchased a used Antipodes Core to put Roon Core on. It is definitely better than running Roon Core and Endpoint on the Innuos."

It is both interesting, and a bit concerning that an excellent piece of equipment like the Statement would not be able to handle both functions as well as only being an endpoint. Could you elaborate on what kind of sonic benefits you might have heard when placing the core separately from the Statement box?

- Everyone, thank your for sharing you experiences.
Roon Nucleus connected via ethernet to a dCS Bartok streamer/DAC.
IPad to control.  dCS recommends ethernet connection vs. wifi or usb, which they invented.  Small Green Computer sent me an optical converter for the ethernet connection to the Bartok to fine tune any noise.  Simple, clean and sounds terrific.  Also, the Bartok with it's own streaming ap, Mosaic, will tune Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and others directly.  Probably better sound by a small margin but much less metadata.  Can also do Audrivana via ethernet from my MacBook Pro.  So, dCS likes connection by ethernet, if available.
So to make a little bit longer story shorter, I didn’t think I was getting $5000 worth of performance from my Innuos ZENith Mk3 2TB for Roon core. Plus I only stream and I don’t rip CDs. So I sold my Zenith and embarked on a journey to find where the sweet spot is for the same performance at a lower price. I think I may have found it with an Azulle Kaby Lake i5 Inspire Mini PC with 32 (16 x 2) GB RAM and a Samsung 250 GB M.2 SSD that I installed. The total cost of all of this was less than $614.00 inclusive of sales tax. The Mini PC is fanless as opposed to the NUC and obviates the need for an Akasa $169 Turing FX case. I already have a couple of Sonore UltraRendus. So my streamers are separate from my Core. So far, my SQ from my listening sessions is at least no worse than the ZENith. If interested here are the instructions on how to install ROCK on the Azulle Inspire Mini PC:

https://tr.cloudmagic.com/h/v6/link-track/1.0/1614639065722801-da92ff06-d7c2-b7c6-e435-c956aa1cdc11/1614639049/8f204384f210400d4f96e56413cb904b/ada5e8053ef19e4a287be3a01b3f4347/173161b1a613fac0e4b7eff6af1fa494?redirect_uri=https://community.roonlabs.com/t/azulle-inspire-mini-pc-instructions-for-installing-rock/148202

I hope this assists our community. Regards, RJ