2019 Mac Pro vs. Roon

From the peanut gallery - I’m using Mac/Roon, with Tidal as a streaming service, and find it a delightful complement to the vinyl chain on the same rig.  15 minutes to download and set-up, maybe, and one is off to the races - it’s so simple to implement there is really no reason not to, because you can be enjoying the music in about as much time as it take to read this thread, with nothing invested but the cost of the Roon software (a bargain)

Let us know what you decide to do! 

I am about to get a taste of Mac Pro laptop vs. Cambridge Audio 851N music server. I run the MacBook Pro streaming Tidal Master to the SMSL SU8 DAC via USB > XLR balanced to Sub> XLR out to AudioPulse A200 and another set of JBL 305 stacked... it sounds very good into these powered monitors. No hiss, very enjoyable rocking sound with nice soundstage in my small listening area. The JBL 305 is the weakest component but the sound has more authority with these blended in a bit. I decided to change it up and see if there is an improvement as my 2012 MB Pro is on it’s last leg and I also multi-task on this computer while streaming Tidal Master quality. The USB sends a low voltage charge to the aluminum MB Pro, which is annoying. I am going to side-grade to a Windows laptop due to finances and get the MB Pro out of the equation... so I shall see.... the Windows system also plays DSD natively and I get to sample that as well.

Your Mac Pro and the Marantz 30n are both examples of music servers. You don't need dedicated hardware to make a music server - just a computer with the right software (or the right options enabled). You can make a music server with a Windows PC, a Mac, a Raspberry Pi, etc.

The only thing that matters with respect to music servers is that it gives you the features you need with the type of convenience you're seeking, e.g. DIY or plug and play, integration with streaming services, etc.

FYI, the Marantz 30n has an interface - the HEOS app.

Also, don't worry much about cables or boxes that regenerate signals (unless you have to run USB cable longer than 5 meters). If the data isn't reaching your DAC intact, you'll hear pops, ticks, and dropouts during playback. Otherwise, you're fine.

yage

Also, don't worry much about cables or boxes that regenerate signals (unless you have to run USB cable longer than 5 meters)

True.  Unless you wish to improve the sound quality.

@steakster 

+1