Moving the ROON core from my Mac Mini to an SGC ST was the right move for me. Already had a Pi based streamer and a descent DAC.
Should I upgrade from a Mac Mini to a dedicated server or should I upgrade my dac?
Hello!
I would like to upgrade my digital audio and I have had some interesting discussions on the matter. I mostly use Roon with Qobuz and Tidal via Mac Mini to a Moon 280D with Mind2 as a Roon endpoint (so I am using Ethernet rather than USB which was one of my 1st upgrade paths); I have been told that to get a significant improvement in sound I should upgrade from the Mac Mini to a Roon Nucleus or Small Green Computer etc before upgrading the dac. The dac would be the following step.
I think this is an interesting thought that I had not considered- I always assumed the most critical component would be a better a dac, I am curious about your opinions on this.
System
Source (analog): VPI Aries 1, Lyra. Etna, PS Audio Stellar phono; Amplification: Vinnie Rossi LIO Preamp, Pass Labs XA60.5; Speakers:AvantGarde Duo's, Thiel 3.7; Cables: Nordost Heimdall II.
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I can't thank all of you enough for this great advice. I like the idea of integration but only to a point- as appealing as a single box solution may be I'd rather retain the ability to upgrade single components . That said, I would probably opt for a dac with a bridge/network Roon endpoint- I was thinking of a Bricasti M3 or maybe an M1 SE (really stretching budget here); another audiophile I know well swears by the Manhattan II. I believe any of these these should be a good step-up from the Moon 280D (though it remains a very competent dac). |
@pgastone that makes sense! Good luck and enjoy the journey! |
Thank you! |
I have had customers have tons of issues with Mac Minis. Literally, it created a network issue for a customer so his DAC could not get an IP address. The mini had to be off whenever he turned on the DAC. It is not my favorite device. Bricasti makes and awesome DAC. It is very musical and one of the most engaging, enjoyable products I have heard. I have not heard the Mytek. The M3 sound bigger but is less refined than the M1 SE. Bricasti is about dead neutral. It is warm compared to many units (Chord, Weiss, etc...) but not warm. In the $4K range, the Canor DAC 2.10 is a nice unit and has a tube output stage. It does not have a roon end point incorporated into it. Highly detailed and a touch warm, it is a nice and easy sounding DAC to listen too. The Rockna Wavelight is another good option for a new DAC that will give you a warmer sound profile. It also lacks a roon endpoint and is a little pricier ($4950 list) but stunningly good. It is a R2R and delivers what most people think R2Rs should sound like. I have never heard a Mytek product outside of an audio show and have not POV on them. Aqua is supposed to make a great DAC. It is definitely warmer and would do the job for you considering your speakers. This definitely should be a brand you should consider. I am a dealer for Bricasti, Canor and Rockna and have listened to all of the units extensively. I am not a Mytek or Aqua dealer.
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