Folks, I don't want to build my own box and I don't want to be an IT guy and I don't want to run a Roon core on a computer! Thanks, though.
Help! Choosing a Roon core/streamer/server! (Roon vs Innuos vs Wyred4Sound)
Hi,
I have gone down the rabbit hole, changed my thinking many times, and have arrived at 3 choices: Roon Nucleus, Innuos Zen MkIII, or Wyred4Sound MS. I was once all set on an Aurender N100, but have decided I want Roon as an option.
I use Tidal and Amazon HD music, and want to rip my 800 CD collection.
I once didn't want Roon because I had/have ZERO interest in running the Core on a PC. Now, with these 3 choices, they run as both the Core and a server--a one box solution, which is what I really want. I've watched the Darko videos on the Innuos and Wyred units and he likes both.
ROON Nucleus ($1400) (Nucleus+ is much more $$, but has SSD I think)
Advantages: Price ($1400), and I can add either an HDD or SSD drive.
Disadvantages: It is Roon only and I am locked in to that app/OS. Can add ripper drive but it's not built in and not sure if ripping is easy.
INNUOS Zen MkIII ($2700, or so)
Advantages: Has the ripper built in (huge, for me) and ripping is easy. Their software is good and they're coming out with a new killer version, is the rumor, so if you don't want Roon you have an alternative. I'm reading that it sounds better than the Nucleus.
Disadvantages: Over $1000 more expensive than the Nucleus. HDD internal drive is standard, no option for SSD.
WYRED4SOUND:
Advantages: Can get it with 1 or 2TD SSD drive. Can run using it as a non-Roon server. Also has ripper built in. Made in US, with 3 year warranty!
Disadvantages: Most expensive. $3350 w/2TB SSD.
Thanks... any input is appreciated. PD
Innuos http://www.innuos.com/en/catalog/go/zen-mk3-1tb-hdd-black
ROON https://roonlabs.com/nucleus
Wyred https://wyred4sound.com/products/music-servers/ms
I have gone down the rabbit hole, changed my thinking many times, and have arrived at 3 choices: Roon Nucleus, Innuos Zen MkIII, or Wyred4Sound MS. I was once all set on an Aurender N100, but have decided I want Roon as an option.
I use Tidal and Amazon HD music, and want to rip my 800 CD collection.
I once didn't want Roon because I had/have ZERO interest in running the Core on a PC. Now, with these 3 choices, they run as both the Core and a server--a one box solution, which is what I really want. I've watched the Darko videos on the Innuos and Wyred units and he likes both.
ROON Nucleus ($1400) (Nucleus+ is much more $$, but has SSD I think)
Advantages: Price ($1400), and I can add either an HDD or SSD drive.
Disadvantages: It is Roon only and I am locked in to that app/OS. Can add ripper drive but it's not built in and not sure if ripping is easy.
INNUOS Zen MkIII ($2700, or so)
Advantages: Has the ripper built in (huge, for me) and ripping is easy. Their software is good and they're coming out with a new killer version, is the rumor, so if you don't want Roon you have an alternative. I'm reading that it sounds better than the Nucleus.
Disadvantages: Over $1000 more expensive than the Nucleus. HDD internal drive is standard, no option for SSD.
WYRED4SOUND:
Advantages: Can get it with 1 or 2TD SSD drive. Can run using it as a non-Roon server. Also has ripper built in. Made in US, with 3 year warranty!
Disadvantages: Most expensive. $3350 w/2TB SSD.
Thanks... any input is appreciated. PD
Innuos http://www.innuos.com/en/catalog/go/zen-mk3-1tb-hdd-black
ROON https://roonlabs.com/nucleus
Wyred https://wyred4sound.com/products/music-servers/ms
- ...
- 28 posts total
patrickdowns
I was of the same mind as you in terms of a digital setup. I wanted to have streaming, and the ability to rip my CD library, but no setup or maintenance hassle. I had a Sonos setup for a while a few years ago, with music stored on a PC, supposedly simple, but it was a pain, so I stopped using it. With my new setup I was up and running in 30 - 60 minutes. Unbox, hook up wires, go through some setup on an ipad, then listen to music. You need an ethernet connection for the Innuos. I used a tp-link AV600 powerline, but if you already have a ethernet connection in your listening room you will not need this. Also, I tried the Roon core and Zen mini with built in DAC, but the Zen III with an outboard DAC was a significant step-up in sound quality. The price for additional storage is not much higher and I opted for more than 1 TB. Good luck with your new setup whatever you decide Jim Perry |
That's understandable, I just suggested the DIY because offers more flexibility for the future and it doesn't lock you down to Roon which SQ is debatable, great interface but not so good player. I missed some posts which were deleted now I understand you don't want something complex to execute or maintain. I have no direct experience with what you listed but friends who do they all speak good about the Innuos. |
- 28 posts total