Roon endpoint: MacMini vs. Auralic Aries

A

AlterEgo

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Today I am using for streaming purposes a Mac Mini server (located in my workroom) and a Raspberry Pi connected over LAN and connected with my DAC over SPDIF (coaxial).

I am wondering whether following changes will improve sound quality. Up to now I had no chance to test it in reality, but perhaps one of you can give me some valuable tips.:audiophile:

My first idea is to replace the Raspberry with an Auralic Aries and using USB-connection to DAC. My second idea is to move the server (headless) in my listening room and connect the MacMini directly to the DAC via USB.
 
Personally, I would get SOtM sMS-200 and use it as a roon end point. That would be a clear upgrade vs your Mac. I would also strongly recommend getting UpTone Audio LPS-1 PSU to power it.
 
Adam thanks a lot for your recommendation. The SOtM looks very interesting. I will test it in any case.

Concerning the UpTone Audio SPS-1 PSU: As I understand this gear is a seperate power supply. I will use Isotek Mosaic Genesis as a power cleaning system. Do you think there will be an audible difference using UpTone power supply, if the SOtM is using the sine wave generation outlet of the Evo3 Mosaic Genesis? Or perhaps because of using Evo3 there is no need of UpTone Audio SPS-1 PSU?
 
The stock PSU that comes with SOtM unit is garbage. It is a generic wallwart switch mode unit, which probably cost $5 in OEM. No power conditioning on AC side will help the garbage it spits out on DC end. The UpTone Audio PSU not only provides a clean 7V DC power, with ultra low noise, but also provides a galvanic isolation - something that is trully unique to this design.

The LPS-1 PSU has been discussed at lenght over at Computer Audiophile forum. I have Teddy Pardo ultra low noise PSU, the big, choke regulated UpTone Audio JS-2 PSU (still great for stuff that needs 12V DC or anything over 1A in 5-9V DC range), ifi Power PSU, SOtM battery PSU and the jump is SQ you get from LPS-1 over those (not to mention the garbage stock PSU) is huge.
 
Thank´s Adam for explanation. So for a reasonable test I need both: SOtM & LPS-1. I will try it. :)
 
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