Best Server To Run Roon Core

Honestly you don't need to spend huge $ on a Roon Core platform. Most of these devices people are recommending are for use with USB direct connection, if that is your intended use then by all means spend the cash. But if all you want is the ability to try Roon build yourself a Rpi 3 or 4 with an allo digione hat, install OS of choice with RAAT roon endpoint and run core via ethernet from an old pc/mac if you have one. Cheapest way to get Roon integrated into your audio system. Running this over your network via ethernet doesn't have the isolation issues you find running the core platform directly via USB. 

I have the ENO filter between an Etherregen and Innuos Statement,  if I take it out there is a big drop in sound quality.

I purchased a used Antipodes Core to put Roon Core on.  It is definitely better than running Roon Core and Endpoint on the Innuos.  The Antipodes converts to DSD 512 in Roon without a problem but I have recently found Roon sounds better with this turned off.  I haven't compared this set up with Experimental Mode yet. 

I also have a Terminator Plus and Iris DDC and agree the combination is a bit step up from USB and using the clock out from the TP to the Iris has an amazing effect of clarity, timing and presence.  Yes, it has a major positive effect on the Statements USB which I was not expecting.

Hello everyone. Thank you for this valuable information. This was a huge help and I greatly appreciate it. It was a tough decision but I’ve decided to go with two of the ENO Ethernet Filter Ag over the EtherRegen. They are both great products but after speaking with some of my electrical engineering friends , I didn’t want to add another powered unit to my already existing quiet system. Thanks again for the help.

@anzaanimalclinic

Thank you for sharing. This is precisely the kind of information I was hoping for when starting this thread.

Regarding:  "I purchased a used Antipodes Core to put Roon Core on. It is definitely better than running Roon Core and Endpoint on the Innuos."

It is both interesting, and a bit concerning that an excellent piece of equipment like the Statement would not be able to handle both functions as well as only being an endpoint. Could you elaborate on what kind of sonic benefits you might have heard when placing the core separately from the Statement box?

- Everyone, thank your for sharing you experiences.

Roon Nucleus connected via ethernet to a dCS Bartok streamer/DAC.
IPad to control.  dCS recommends ethernet connection vs. wifi or usb, which they invented.  Small Green Computer sent me an optical converter for the ethernet connection to the Bartok to fine tune any noise.  Simple, clean and sounds terrific.  Also, the Bartok with it's own streaming ap, Mosaic, will tune Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and others directly.  Probably better sound by a small margin but much less metadata.  Can also do Audrivana via ethernet from my MacBook Pro.  So, dCS likes connection by ethernet, if available.