Anyone been able to compare the SQ of Roon Nucleus vs. MacBook Air?

@drubin 

Thanks for pointing that out.  My post is in error.

I started a Roon trial the same day as the day I purchased the Nucleus, and installed Roon on my MBP and got used to it while I awaited delivery of the Nucleus (confirmed this by looking at my receipts).  So I had about a weeks experience with Roon on the MBP before move the Roon core license to the Nucleus.  I would also add, there was no difference I could detect in the sound quality between iTunes/BitPerfect and Roon on the MBP.

For those who have built a NUC, what are the specs necessary and what software does it take to run?

You can find the specs on Roons site. 
https://kb.roonlabs.com/Roon_Optimized_Core_Kit
The only software is ROCK it's an optimized OS to run roon has the core built in it's what's on a Nucleus.
I assembled mine with an i5 in a small fanless case and attach an external drive with my ripped CDs. 

@drubin I just compared the Mac mini core vs SGC ST on a couple songs.  Mini via Wifi and ST plugged into same mesh node as endpoint.
Compared Los Lobos One Time One night (qobuz 16/48) and Mile Davis In A Silent Way track (qobuz 24/88).   Pretty darn close SQ but I do believe the ST was better in some aspects.  The twangy honky tonk guitar on One Time one Night appeared fatter, I think tone was more pleasing.  The percussion is all brushes and they sound more lush to me.  In a silent way , similar experience.  McLaughlin's guitar was a bit richer and as the key boards start to sprinkle  in notes they seam to float for longer in the room.   All subjective of course.  improved resonance on Miles horn.  

thanks for the input.. going to assemble the NUC. Seems like a no brainer!