Upstream Bottlenecks, Experience, Opinions, Meitner Dac

@bigwave1 Right. I had forgotten to mention the MA3’s sensitivity to isolation so I’m glad you did. I use a Symposium Ultra platform underneath it and found that I like the sound with Synergistic Research’s MIG 2.0s between the two.  
 

BTW I think Small Green Computer sells (or used to sell)  a server (Transporter) for use as a Roon Core/storage that has both Ethernet in and out so the need for USB for ripped files could be eliminated.

@bigwave1 all you need to connect to the ma3 is an ethernet cable. You dont need the usb cable. It access file on your local network over ethernet.

Just hooking up Meitner now. My minds been pre occupied as have dog under radiation for nasal malignancy. Have issue with Mac seeing Meitner in sound preferences, midi etc. version Big Sur. What obvious procedure don’t I see? 

Finally configured. Just hit pay dirt, holy cow. Stevie Ray, Tin Pan Alley. I’m on my way. 

Sorry about the dog, I have cats, when pets suffering not good.

Hopefully streaming stays up and running with that Mac OS. I'd still try the router direct to MA3 and see how the two compare.

Ghasley correct, forget usb, NAS on network, you have good streamer, no need for usb anywhere.