To update my post below, I received my upgraded DX3 back this summer, which can serve as both a Roon core and output - i.e., a one-box solution. However, as with the EX and CX, the DX3 can also be used for Roon Core only with a separate endpoint connected by Ethernet.
I am currently switching between two endpoints - the SOtM triad (three boxes) described in my post below or Metrum's Ambre one-box endpoint.
I believe either of those (core + separate endpoint) options better the DX3 alone, but not by a huge margin. Based on my listening, the DX3 with separate endpoint offers a bit more detail and dimensionality. So far, I seem to like the SOtM triad endpoint just a bit more than the Metrum Ambre, but it is really close and the one-box Metrum being easier to set up and operate. Sonically, the Metrum seems to have a bit more drive and leans more toward neutral while the SOtM (using the upgraded SOtM sMS-200 ultra Neo) seems to display a little more body and texture. If I didn't have both, I would have been happy with whichever one I did have.
I am currently switching between two endpoints - the SOtM triad (three boxes) described in my post below or Metrum's Ambre one-box endpoint.
I believe either of those (core + separate endpoint) options better the DX3 alone, but not by a huge margin. Based on my listening, the DX3 with separate endpoint offers a bit more detail and dimensionality. So far, I seem to like the SOtM triad endpoint just a bit more than the Metrum Ambre, but it is really close and the one-box Metrum being easier to set up and operate. Sonically, the Metrum seems to have a bit more drive and leans more toward neutral while the SOtM (using the upgraded SOtM sMS-200 ultra Neo) seems to display a little more body and texture. If I didn't have both, I would have been happy with whichever one I did have.