Roon Endpoint DACs
- Thread starter Alpinist
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fair enough -- i don't have direct experience w/ the SQ of mac mini vs other hardware. i am running roon core on a mac pro desktop. the roon core is installed on the boot disk and storage is on a separate internal HDD. have had zero issues with this hardware configuration, but again have not done any A/B testing.
here's a link to running roon server on a NAS with useful information on hardware specs for those contemplating the DIY route - just pick a compatible hardware/OS platform:
https://kb.roonlabs.com/Roon_Server_on_NAS
running on a NAS as described in the link would be equivalent to a nucleus w/ extra internal drives for RAID storage and backup -- all in one box.
That's cool. I remember Roon folks said they had tough time with the thermals when running dsp functions with their Nucleus case (one of the reason why the release is delayed).
As per the pcmag review the Akasa case is compatible with i7 but as per Akasa.tw its not.
http://www.akasa.com.tw/search.php?seed=A-NUC37-M1B
The Atlast solution seems promising though.
Btw, the 8th generation NUC is going to be released very soon
Kuoppis
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- Jan 19, 2015
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I think the Nucleus is a quite sweet plug&play solution. Not being aware of these I went for a pimped-up Synology NAS instead:
- quad core 2.3 GHz CPU
- 8 GB RAM
- 64-bit architecture
- 250 GB SSD HDD for the Roon Core
- 275 GB SDD module for cache
- 24TB for storage with RAID 1 setup
- powered by a 200W HDPlex LPSU
Roon Core installed on the NAS SSD, Roon app on the iPad, Nyquist connected via Ethernet to the network with an AudioQuest Vodka.
Sound-wise the Roon NAS solution beats my Aurender N100H.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
yes, with ROCK you need to pop in the drive and then format it from their web GUI. It will not take anything preformatted with any type of filesystem. However, you can use a preformatted USB drive.
Does Nucleus allow user replaceable HDD or does it have to be pre-installed prior to purchase ?
4N6
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Are we sure about that? From the online manual..."Nucleus and Roon will output audio to devices connected directly by USB or HDMI."
And..."Roon can discover and play music to a variety of audio outputs. From a DAC connected directly to Nucleus, to networked audio outputs throughout your home, you can pick and choose the devices you want to use, then name them for easy access. There are two classes of audio devices in Roon: connected and networked.[h=3]Connected Audio Outputs[/h]Connected outputs include USB DAC’s and the HDMI output of Nucleus. Our Audio Setup Guide will walk you through the details of advanced setup and configuration options. You can find it here: Audio Setup Basics"
From: https://kb.roonlabs.com/Nucleus_Owner's_Guide
asindc
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- Jul 19, 2013
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- 784
Given this clarification, I’ll ask the question again: Can an AES/EBU output be installed in a NUC? Apparently some have installed AES and coaxial output cards in their DIY servers: https://www.computeraudiophile.com/...card-or-usb-card/?tab=comments#comment-369481
asindc
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Good point. I had the Berkeley USB when I was running a Mac Mini setup. It was one of the best components I’ve ever owned. I believe it could improve the output of virtually any DAC at any price.
The cheapest Roon endpoints that are also DACs that I can think of are the Logitech Squeezebox/Transporter products.
Last time I checked on ebay a SB Touch can be had for less than $200. The Transporter sells for more but it also has many more outputs including balanced XLR.
I highly recommend the Transporter. Its DAC will do high resolution 96/24 files.
Roon offers the option to stream to all Logitech/SB devices by just enabling that option.
Last time I checked on ebay a SB Touch can be had for less than $200. The Transporter sells for more but it also has many more outputs including balanced XLR.
I highly recommend the Transporter. Its DAC will do high resolution 96/24 files.
Roon offers the option to stream to all Logitech/SB devices by just enabling that option.
Simple answer: No.
A DAC is a DAC regardless. Being a Roon endpoint is just an added feature. Think of it as an additional input. Such a feature adds to the value of the unit but does not detract. You may choose to use or not use that “input”.
Just to add, these DACs are NOT Roon ONLY devices. They do Roon, but they do whatever the other DACs do.
Dr Tone
Banned
Cheapest true Roon endpoints are raspberry pi devices. They run raat and can be grouped and have the full power of the Roon ecosystem.
Squeezebox support is a compatibility layer added to roon. It’s limited and doesn’t support grouping outside other squeezeboxes.
You are correct. The Raspberry Pi are the cheapest Roon endpoints.
However the OP asked for a Roon endpoint devices that were also DACs.
That means that the RPi alone cannot suffice. One can add a HAT to the RPi (like the HifiBerry DAC) and get a Roon Endpoint with a DAC.
Setting up a RPi+HifiBerry DAC requires a certain amount of skill. One has to buy the parts, put them together, install the OS in a card and configure it based on your needs. Not too difficult to do but it does require some computer skills. Total cost: less than $200 for parts plus assembly.
The Logitech/Squeezebox are pretty much plug and play. With no need to assemble anything. I agree that there are some limitations (grouping ability that you mention is one), but nothing major based on my needs and likely most people’s needs.
In any event, for less than $200 one can get at least two functioning Roon End and DAC set ups. One would require assembly and computer skills to set it up; the other does not.
jadedavid
New member
Thanks for explaining it.