Room Nucleus+ vs what for dCS

@audiotroy i do not doubt anything you are saying (and I was incorrect on pricing - I was looking at CAD not USD). I’ve also read things to contrary, and in this industry, what I’ve learned is that everything is subjective and there will be people on both sides arguing they are right and their way sounds better. DCS directly claims Ethernet is better on *their* HW. They don’t claim this for all HW. Just theirs. My trusted shop said they tested and agree. On Roon forums, both Roon employees and members seem to strongly prefer the Nucleus over the underpowered Zenith. So if anyone is cheaping out on parts, it’s Innous. The biggest complaint is that the underpowered Zenith is not able to easily cope with large libraries and searching will be slow. I hear your opinion and understand it. What Id like to hear is from people in the field and experiences, especially those not working at a shop selling me something. Surely you can see the conflict in interest with both you and my local shop.

It seems like for networked listening, as long as the device can serve up the file quickly, there shouldn’t be a sonic advantage to other devices

...What I’m trying to understand is if there really is any sonic difference between them if running over Ethernet

There is, as in capital IS. Pursue different options to find out for yourself.

and the core is not located near the rack.

The Roon Core Component can most certainly be near, or in, or on the rack. Consider it an audio component and treat it as you would any other audio component in your primary system.

No reason to use WiFi. House is wired and WiFi will always be inconsistent due to interference and overlapping zones.

Not true. WiFi can be used to effectively isolate the 'dirtier' sections from the more important and hopefully 'cleaner' sections for audio applications. There are other reasons as well. Dig deeper as WiFi can be your friend.

@audiotroy 's posts above are valid and share important and helpful information.

I have been evaluating DACs and dCS is on my list. I’ve auditioned the Bartok, the Rossini, and a full Vivaldi stack. I’ve also heard the Rossini in a neighbor’s system and have heard dCS products elsewhere. My most recent auditions, both at the dealer and at my neighbor’s home, coincidently / by happenstance were both fronted by a Roon Nucleus.

Based on what I am hearing you express, the dealer’s choices, and what my neighbor ended up with (in all cases... the Roon Nucleus) I’m fairly sure that dCS as well as their dealers believe that dCS is impervious to the ethernet signal being sent it’s way.

Once a position gets dug, it tends to stick / stay and is amplified by those that follow the manufacturer / dealer guidance.

I happen to disagree.