@antigrunge2 I have not spent much time with any Innuos products and have not heard their server playing their software. Last I heard one was a statement running Roon. The only thing I know about their software is that it is supposed to sound great but was a bit unstable on release. I assume Innuos worked diligently to correct those issue as it is a big point of differentiation for them.
I have spent a lot of time with a Nucleus and Bricasti items. I agree that a Nucleus as a player and renderer is mediocre. It is also relatively modestly priced. Strictly used as a server sending a signal to a separate player, it is far superior to using it as a single source connected via USB. I cannot answer if Nucleus/Bricasti combo is as good as Innuos as I have not tested it but Nucleus/Bricasti is much better than Nucleus alone. Nucleus alone is MUCH better than dedicated PC/Laptop/Mac Mini.
No one claims that Roon is best sounding software. Pretty universally Roon core with Squeeze as a front end is deemed one of the best sounding options. HQ Player is very, very good. I have heard the Innuos software is supposed to be better and Pink Faun’s native software is arguably the best of them all. There is a big difference between not being best sounding and sounding bad. IMO, Roon sound is very good and when one considers the UI, it is not shocking why it is so popular.
The OP is looking for a simple solution that will sound good and is easy to control from a tablet. I stand by my recommendation against those parameters. Innuos may be an excellent alternative.
