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Thread: Intel NUC music server incoming
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July 9, 2023, 08:21 AM #51
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
1. Your "authentic" Nucleus uses generic Intel board. Specs on Intel website are clear:
DC Input Voltage Supported: 12-19 VDC
There is no advantage from going with 19VDC. If anything, voltage needs to be dropped even more (MoBo subsystems work on 3.3V, 5V and 12V).
2. Power supplies are regulated. If your linear power supply can't hold the voltage at rated current, they you bought yourself a garbage, not a decent PSU. The LHY Audio PSU I have linked has zero problems supplying 4A @ 12V of instantaneous current. It is more than enough for any Nucleus.
3. Nucleus+ draws only 0.66A @ 12V while playing music in native format (no upsampling) and 0.72A @ 12V while playing music with 2x PCM upsampling and DSP switched on. At no point it will go past 2A @ 12V while using Roon (unless you dress it with 4 external HDD drives like a christmas tree AND load the CPU with DSD512 upsampling on top). In any case - you can always switch on the Power Sense feature in the BIOS settings, which will throttle the CPU down when it senses the PSU cannot keep up.
There are many people using SBooster PSUs with the Nucleus+ with ZERO issues (no DSD512 upsampling) and those are rated @ 2A/12V.
Regular Nucleus (non-Plus) uses even less current that that.
FACTS.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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July 9, 2023, 11:02 AM #52
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July 10, 2023, 02:40 AM #53
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
One more thing: I'm not advocating using SB Booster 12V/2A PSU on the Nucleus+. It is perfetly fine on the Nucleus, but it may not be enough in some circumstances (heavy DSP use, either for room correction or upsampling, or both) on the Nucleus+. I just gave this example to show, that the current draw of the Nucleus is not as high as some people think it is.
If you go with w bit bigger PSU, i.e. 3A instead of 2A max, then basicly any competent 12V/3A PSU will be OK. The $200 LHY Audio I posted is rated more than that, i.e. 12V/5A max, and is more that a Nucleus+ will ever need in ANY scenario.
Spending more doesn't make any sense, as to unlock the full Nucleus potential you need to invest into a better end point, not even better PSU for the Nucleus.
If you have $1000 to spend on the Nucleus, just invest into a good end-point instead (like used SOtM sMS-200Ultra for example + LHA Audio PSU for the end-point).Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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July 13, 2023, 12:05 PM #54
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Bad news: Intel stops producing Nucs. In future we need to change to an alternative motherboard in a fanless case, Roon Nucleus included.
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July 13, 2023, 12:30 PM #55
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Speakers: Magico S3 (23')
Integrated:Gryphon Diablo 300 plus DAC
Streamer: HiFi Rose RS150b
CD/DVD: Oppo 205
Cables: Cardas-Shunyata-AudioQuest-Supra
Roon Core: sonicTransporter i7 powered with HDPlex 200w linear PS, running AudioLinux for Roon--Tidal and Qobuz with iPad Pro
Time is just a tool humans created to measure movement and record events
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July 13, 2023, 12:40 PM #56
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Chinese pc's are indeed an alternative for the nuc. In fact: aliexpress has alot of clones, which also will do perfect for audio and which are already dedicated fanless. Buy one of these and you have a fanless mini pc for half the price of a nuc with Akasa case. I already tried one as Roon core and compared it with the usual fanless nuc and did not hear any difference in sound quality.
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July 13, 2023, 11:55 PM #57
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
What about this-?
ASUS Z390-I ROG Strix Gaming Intel LGA 1151 mini ITX motherboard
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K
Press Release from Intel:
Goodbye, Intel NUCs: production stops but partners carry the torch | TechSpot
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July 14, 2023, 04:37 AM #58
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Outside of Intel NUC, the success of running ROCK is significantly decreased due to lack of drivers (primarily LAN, sometimes there were also BIOS issues). Successful cases are called MOCK, you'll need to search for MOCK in Roon forum.
If you want a fanless build with a powerful CPU, that'd usually be more difficult unless the box is fanless to begin with.
If you don't have to use ROCK, then you're free to use Windows or Linux (e.g. Ubuntu), but that loses the "appliance" appeal of Roon OS.
(Note: Nucleus is the same as ROCK on NUC7 but with additional thermal management for Nucleus fanless chassis.)Peter Lie
LUMIN Firmware Lead
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July 14, 2023, 03:47 PM #59
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Great idea, but good you ask this, because you made the same beginners mistake I did. The problem is the choice of the Intel Core i9-9900K. The problem is that the TDP for your core is far too high, resulting in an overheated pc. Intel has 3 core classes, the normal, the K and the T. For fanless builds a TDP below 45W is required, that means normally Intels T build processors. Secondly: an i7 will do for audio and as long you don't convert to DSD i5 and maybe i3 is also possible. But most important is that the TDP is below 45W and that it fits on the motherboard.
About the case: I did use a Streacom case for the mini ITX board, this one is perfect and there are more audio pc builders who use it FC8 – Fanless Mini-ITX Case – Streacom. With my build: with an Asus 560i gaming I had a second problem: there was a large heatsink on it which will block the assembly of the Streacom heatpipe, which could be solved with an extra Streacom HT4. That having said: I don't advise a gaming motherboard like the Asus at all. Next time I will build one I go for the brand SuperMicro. It is not the cheapest one, but perfect for audio.
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July 14, 2023, 03:50 PM #60
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July 14, 2023, 06:27 PM #61
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Just to be clear, I didn't use this board, this was used in Nenon's DIY build. It was built in a Streacom case, as you recommend.
Referenced here: Building a DIY Music Server - Music Servers - Audiophile Style
Sorry, but I don't know what the acronym "TDP" stands for.
Thank you, though, for the information you've provided, it's useful. This entire domain of "DIY" music servers is all new to me, so any info is helpful. Cheers.
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July 14, 2023, 08:46 PM #62
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Higher TDP means it generates higher heat, which generally makes a stable fanless build difficult and/or expensive. Even with a fan the choice of fan needs to take that into consideration if one wishes to lower the fan noise at home (rather than a server room / data center in a commercial environment).
TDP is not the same as worst case maximum power consumption, the latter of which can be even higher. So do not simply rely on the TDP to select the power you need for a LPS.Peter Lie
LUMIN Firmware Lead
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July 14, 2023, 11:03 PM #63
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
With the upcoming demise of the Intel Nuc, I decided to upgrade my NUC6 i7. I use my NUC only for network music file service, only connected to the LAN.
Currently the Nuc6 has been performing Roon ROCK duty.
I ordered a Nuc12 i5 16g memory, 256g SSD with the corresponding Akasa Turing WS case. I have a 2t 2.5 SSD drive I plan to use for Data.
This will differ from the Nuc6, in that an internal drive can be installed for the music files, instead of needing a USB drive separately.
Undecided if I will run it with Windows11 - Roon to start, considering trying out Audirvana.
Vs. Installing Roon Rock, and treating it just like an appliance. I probably will try all of the above.
Anyone have the "best" OS for music file server duty? (no need to be special USB/SPDIF to DAC)Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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July 15, 2023, 12:51 AM #64
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
That looks like an ideal ROCK setup.
I've recently posted this to another forum in response for a ROCK build question:
My suggestion for ROCK PC:
- Get a NUC model with i5 or i7 - search the exact model in Roon forum for people's success reports
- If not using HDMI audio output, you may use NUC12 or slightly older ones. NUC13 is not in the certified list but some people reported success.
- If using HDMI audio output, no newer than NUC11 should be used.
- 16GB RAM
- Get the smallest capacity version of Samsung 970 (not 980 not 990) as boot drive
- Make sure the NUC has space for a 2.5" music drive
- If fanless chassis is desired, check for chassis compatibility against specific NUC boards / models
When/if you have tried different OS, please report.Peter Lie
LUMIN Firmware Lead
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July 15, 2023, 01:49 PM #65
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
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July 19, 2023, 03:53 AM #66
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-nuc-systems-agreement.html
Intel announced it has agreed to a term sheet with ASUS, a global technology solution provider, for an agreement to manufacture, sell and support the Next Unit of Compute (NUC) 10th to 13th generations systems product line, and to develop future NUC systems designs.Peter Lie
LUMIN Firmware Lead
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July 20, 2023, 03:23 PM #67
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
SimplyNUC also says they're planning to continue with the "NUC" form-factor.
Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini PC solutions company, announced they are prepared to continue ramping their investment in mini PCs and the NUC product line...Neko Audio
Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.
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July 20, 2023, 03:53 PM #68
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Looks like ASUS will be building the upcoming NUC boards/systems, so they are not going away.
Amazon seems to have misplaced my NUC, and I may have to re-order one. Unless it turns up by the weekend.
Amazon Prime Delivery is not even close to what it was pre-covid.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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July 28, 2023, 11:00 PM #69
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Completed the work on my new Roon Rock NUC13 Music Server.
One hiccup with a “lost” NUC12 unit. Prime delivery is not what it once was.
Akasa Turing case + NUC13 board + 512 m.2 + 2T SSD + ROON ROCK
I’m sticking with the large brick PSU that came with it, and put it in the server closet. Final filter is the etherRegen at the streamer.
Longest part of the procedure was copying the almost 1T of music files to the storage drive.
A touch of BIOS manipulation, really an easy build, and solid end result. Lots of YouTube instruction to be had. And of course the ROON ROCK installation page. The Akasa box had all the parts needed, even thermal paste.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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July 29, 2023, 03:04 AM #70
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
One problem I see with building those around 13-gen NUC is the max TDP of the CPU.
Intel 13-gen CPUs became very powerful at a cost: high power usage and high heat dissapation.
NUC 13-gen i3 max TDP is 55W and NUC i7 is a ... 64W. Now compare that to only 15W and 28W for the original Roon Nucleus/Nucleus+.
This has consequences on both the increased heat dissapation (may easily overwhelm the passive case) and PSU requirements. This is the reason why those NUCs are shipped with a brick that is rated over 6A @ 19V (120W). That is 10A @ 12V! TEN amps!
There is no ultra low nosie (audiophile) PSU that I know of that is able to support that much current. A PSU with 6A @ 19V (120W) output capability would be both big and expensive.
So you will most likely have to stick to the stock PSU, which is a limiting factor, and will not be able to upgrade. You have gained sth you don't really need (all the extra computing power which will go to waste) and lost sth which was actually valuable.
IMO the older boards Roon keeps using for the Nucleus (at least for the i7) really have the best combination of CPU computing speed / current draw / heat dissipation for this application.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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July 29, 2023, 07:08 AM #71
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
According to intel TDP is 35W for the 13i7/13i5 and 20W for the 13i3, which is still very good for a fanless nuc and not 55W and 64W, which is too high.
Access Denied
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July 29, 2023, 11:04 PM #72
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July 29, 2023, 11:21 PM #73
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
“Thermal Design Power”
The Akasa case I used works fine with a 45 TDP system. My i5, at 35 TDP, is well within specs.
While NUCs directly connected to a DAC via USB probably are better being low power, lower noise units, my Ethernet server unit will do fine with some power to do some resampling with. Perhaps the Nucleus+ works fine in either role, mine is just for remote server duties.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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July 30, 2023, 02:06 AM #74
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July 30, 2023, 04:11 PM #75
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
You are confusing TDP with max TDP (which was what I was referring to). Max TDP for for 13i3 is 55W and 64W for the i7 variant.
Akasa referes to the max TDP on their website. Maximum TDP support for your case - as stipulated on the Akasa website - is 28W.
Will it overheat running Roon? I don't think it will, as it Roon is just not able to load that procesor that much, even when running DSD512 upsampling and DSP. So you should be fine in terms of not exceeding the thermal capacity of the Akasa case.
However, max TDP has other significant consequences. Higher TDP = higher current draw.
The 13-gen CPUs can draw crazy amount of current. Intel designed 13-gen i3 to be able to go into a turbo mode up to 4.4GHz (turbo mode allows a CPU to run much faster for a limited period of time - usually around 30s, to avoid overheating) and when that happens, on TEN cores, it can draw over 100W (which is the reason it comes with a massive 120W PSU). Now compare that to the Nucleus (i3) which maxes out at just 15W or the Nucleus+ (i7), which maxes out at 50W.
15W vs 100W represents is a 7-fold current draw increase between those two i3 generations.
In Polish we have an idiom/saying "To shoot out of cannon into a fly" (literal translation), which is used to convey an idea of applying too drastic measures to small problems. This is exactly the case of using NUC 13-gen to run Roon.
You gain nothing in terms of performance - it basicly has 5x more computing power that you would ever need running Roon - at an expense of increased heat dissapation and huge power requirements.
It is like putting Honda i4 engine on a lawn mover, where a singe cylinder 2-stroke would do. Creates much more problems that it solves.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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July 30, 2023, 05:16 PM #76
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July 31, 2023, 01:54 AM #77
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
I'm sorry - I have just re-read the thread and realised, that you are storing your NUC13 in another room, so probably have your NUC connected via Etherent and you gonna use the stock NUC PSU (as upgrading the PSU when the unit is in another room, connected via Ethernet, doesn't make much sense anyway).
This is one of the rare cases, where you should be perfectly fine with NUC13.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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July 31, 2023, 06:31 AM #78
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Yep, only power, and Ethernet plugged into the NUC. Since of course, I cleaned, dusted, and rerouted cables in the closet, so playing with re-sampling will be another day. The Bricasti sounds best, to me, using the DSD decoder. (It has separate boards for decoding files, one being their original Sigma Delta, and the other being DSD specific)
I agree that a computer, of any sort, that has its USB connected to a DAC, or streamer, would greatly benefit from a number of factors, as you mentioned. Hence the huge difference when I switched from a simple USB cord coming from my PC, years ago, to the earliest microRendu. Transformative!
It’s been a long road from configuring ASIO drivers on a PC with a sound card via SPDIF to my early DACs to todays built in Ethernet streamers.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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August 1, 2023, 04:45 AM #79
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
For all those that want build a Nuc in a fanless case and still have the option to upgrade the PSU in the future, I strongly recommend sticking with 8 or 10th gen i3 boards or 7, 8 or 10th gen i7 boards.
Using newer boards is counterproductive.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 1, 2023, 03:48 PM #80
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
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August 1, 2023, 03:56 PM #81
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Same for me, with the exception I have an external USB-powered hard drive connected to one of it's USB ports, where the music files reside. Something I need to try is whether using an audio-grade USB cable here would result in an audible improvement in audio quality, but given this is the "high-end", nothing would surprise me.
I also need to look into whether I can install an SSD inside the case itself. There are some mounting holes on the bottom of the chassis for doing this, it appears.
I also have a Shunyata Alpha USB CGC (chassis grounding cable) connecting one of the unused USB ports to the Altaira-based ground-plane noise reduction (GP-NR) subsystem of my Gemini power distributor. This made for a notable reduction in the noise-floor (as did connecting EtherREGEN to Gemini's Altaira-type subsystem). You can see it here on the right side of Alita (the name for my Akasa NUC), to the right of the Ethernet cable. This is an Alpha ground cable with a VTx-Ag USB "tail" snapped on.
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August 1, 2023, 04:33 PM #82
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
One important addition from me about the 10th generation nucs in the Akasa turing case A-NUC52-M1B. This case is the only available case, but there is an annoying problem installing it. It drove me crazy, and finally I found it how to fix. The thing is that at some generation 10 nucs, the case button isn't touching a small power button which is located just below the motherboard. So in other words: when building in some nucs they will not power on. Instead you hit a very tight knob, which is touching the motherboard instead of the small power button.
When finding what the problem was, the fix is easy. The Akasa power button simply has to fall deeper in the motherboard so it is able to press the nuc power button. So to reach that I took a file and carefully removed a very thin layer from the motherboard on both sides next to the power button. Carefully not touching the button with the file and not going to deep to avoid removing the metal parts. It worked and via this way the on/off mechanism is repaired. It is an easy job, not a reason not to buy a gen 10 nuc.
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August 2, 2023, 09:41 PM #83
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
2 Channel:
Table: Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo
Arm: Acoustical Systems Aquilar
Cartridge: DS Audio DS003 phono EQ, DS003 cart
DAC: Bricasti M1SE Series 2 w/MDx, ethernet, Gigafoil V4
Processor: Theoretica Applied Physics Bacch4Mac w/ORC, Mac Studio
Amplification: Modwright LS 300 preamp
Speakers: Dutch & Dutch 8c's (active 3-way), Acora SRC-1's
Power: Puritan Audio PSM156, GroundMaster, RouteMaster
Rack: Silent Running Audio Scuttle V3.3
HT: LG 83" C3 OLED, Anthem MRX1140, GoldenEar 5.4.1 3xHTR8000's, 4xHTR7000's, 2xInvisa MPX's, SVS SB16 Ultra
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August 7, 2023, 11:57 AM #84
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
After some trial and error, extra parts and some work, I'm now able to offer NUC 10i7 in Akasa Plato case:
IMG_6331.jpg
Much more attractive than the Turing and no power button issues.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 7, 2023, 02:20 PM #85
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Which plato did you take?
I prefer turing, because the passive cooling is better, and for that reason I am sure that DSD conversion with HQPlayer will fail with a Plato. The power button is a fixable minority for me.
On the other hand, I think with the plato the internal power supply could be replaced by an audiophilic one.
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August 7, 2023, 03:22 PM #86
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
For DSD512 upsampling with HQ Player, you need to build a dedicated server, using a destktop MoBo and CPU as those are very CPU computing power intensive. Or a dedicated high power server and an endpoint solution (basicly a two PC system).
For 99.9% of users, Nucleus+ will do (even for DSD512 upsampling and internal Roon DSP).Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 7, 2023, 04:17 PM #87
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
In my country we have a saying: measuring is knowing. It means something like: I have something that is 1 meter, so it is exactly the right size. You only know if it is 1 meter is not by reading the label, but you always have to measure it yourself first before using it.
With HQPlayer the same, although all fora say you need such a computer, I tested this myself with an 8i5 and 8i7 fanless nuc. For this test I used HQPlayer installed on an Ubuntu installation, together with Roon. As measurement I used the linux program PSensor, which could measure the PCore junction temperature and the Processor usage. The Processor usage was for the 8i7 well within specs. The processor usage for the 8i5 was above 90% which was high.
The main issue is the Pcore Junction temperature. Which was about 85 degrees centigrade, which is just within specs (90-95 is the limit from Intel)
Fun thing: with a normal plastic one with fan I did the same test, and had to stop it very fast because I would have burned it.
The conclusion is that I am able to convert to DSD512 with an 8i7 nuc.
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August 7, 2023, 04:46 PM #88
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Not in the highest HQP settings. As you most likely know, HQP has several DSD512 strategies, differing in CPU usage. There is a reason people who are serious about HQP (read: computer audio geeks) build powerful audio servers equipped with graphics cards (to increase the available computing power even further, via the CUDA offload capabilities of the HQP software).
Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 7, 2023, 05:48 PM #89
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
And still today there are filters in hqplayer that are even with the best computer not usable.
Does not mean that with a higher and more powerful DSD conversion music automatically sounds better. It causes other problems: power causes interference of all other parts in the case and the heat it generates is alot which is also not good. Moreover: you need such a strong motherboard powersupply that is not good at all. A normal ATX power unit fluctuates too much. Last years a few vendors came with those motherboard lps powersupplies, but that is another scope, very expensive way of computer building and I think not powerful enough for the highest filters. The “normal” high end gaming computers are not usable for audio.
I believe in low power using computers (and streamers) and the intel nuc 8th/10th generation are perfect for roon and some hqplayer filters.
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August 8, 2023, 04:45 AM #90
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
I’m using a 10-year old MacBook Pro exclusively as my Roon Core. Seems to work fine with my Dutch & Dutch 8Cs. Would it be worth upgrading to something more recent? I’m not tech savvy so if the answer is yes, what plug and play, most cost-effective product would you recommend?
Speakers: Dutch & Dutch 8C, Franco Serblin Accordo
Integrated System: KLH Twenty Plus System
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August 8, 2023, 05:44 AM #91
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Not, unless:
- Roon crashes from time to time
- lacks responsivness
- you want to use heavy DSP for DSD512 upsampling and it lacks computing power needed
- you are bothered by fan noise (not sure if your MacBook has a fan or not)
- you want to get rid of your MacBook from your listening room and place the Roon Core in a grage/basement/another room/closet.
All the above assuming your are using LAN connection with your 8c speakers.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 8, 2023, 05:59 AM #92
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Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
Yes, it is worth upgrading.
Because 3 reasons
- a macbook is made of plastic. As I stated before an aluminum housing sounds better
- a macbook has a display
- a macbook is nog made for audiostreaming. Inside it is full of electromagnetic distortion
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August 8, 2023, 06:55 AM #93
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
@RDSChicago is using LAN connection, not USB like you do in your system. That is a completely different scenario.
I have just finished building a $5000 server/Roon end-point for a good friend of mine, that has a DAC with USB input.
It uses 3 transformers, 4 separate ultra low noise power supplies with ultra low noise LT3042 voltege regulators (one for the motherboard, two for the SSD drives and one for the USB card), an extra bank of ultracapacitors to stiffen up / lower the impedance of the 5V rail for the USB card and the best USB card on the market - Pink Faun Ultra OCXO:
IMG_0124s.jpg
Why? Because when using USB connection, many things make a difference - as you have discovered in your system.
Does it make sense to invest in such a server when using LAN connection? In my experience - no. There will be no difference when using this server, connected via a LAN cable to Dutch 8c speakers vs say a simple Intel NUC or Roon Nucleus (or a MacBook for that matter).
If anything, a quality switch like this (SW-8) has a potential to make a bigger SQ difference when using a DAC (or speakers) with LAN input.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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August 8, 2023, 02:52 PM #94
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- 260
Re: Intel NUC music server incoming
nice work. That Pink Faun OXCO clock was in my shopping basket wishlist too, the only thing is that at that time due to the chip shortages this USB card was out of stock and not deliverable. This is a very nice build audio pc. It is lovely.
About the SQ of the server, I started with a plastic 5i3 nuc and decided to make my first fanless one from it. A Sonore ultrarendu streamer was used, connected via lan and did not expect any improvement myself at all, wasn't even sitting for it. While the first track was started I instantly heard everything sounded better. And the reason why? I don't know, because the final part was the streamer not the server.
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August 8, 2023, 09:18 PM #95
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
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