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Roon Core Server Player

I'm thinking about upgrading from my Innuos Zen MkIII.  Although there's been a lot written here about what sounds best, I've not seen a discussion of what higher end server/streamer/renderer will work properly as a Roon Core as well as a Roon Endpoint.  The Roon Labs website is terrible at helping you find an answer to that question.

I'm looking in the $4k - $8k range and am considering the Innuos Zenith MkIII, the Auralic Aries, 432 EVO Aeon, etc.  But I'd prefer to have the Roon Core and Roon Endpoint in the same box.

Roon is somewhat glitchy on the Innuos, but running the Innuos in Roon "Experimental Mode" clearly gives me better SQ than Innuos Sense, their proprietary software.  The Auralic reportedly sounds better than the Zenith but it doesn't look like it can be a Roon Core.  There's little written about the 432 EVO.  Don't want to spend the money for a Grimm.

Anyone know of a brand that has great SQ (in that price range) and runs as both Roon Core and Endpoint?

 

dougthebiker
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,549 posts
 

@dougthebiker

If you can stretch your budget, consider a +player, all in one box from Merging Technologies. It has it all, Pre/DAC/Roon Core/Renderer. The +player will eliminate  the need for Zen Mk III, Schiit Freya pre, Yggdrassil DAC and go direct into your Aegir monoblocks. With +player, you are also stepping up in DAC performance. I bought +player last year in August and couldn’t be any happier. It has replaced my previous setup of EMM Labs DA2 and Aurender N20 ($37K in retail). I waited all these years to venture into Roon until I could find a state-of-the-art Core/renderer + DAC solution. If you’re interested, PM me to learn more about my setup.

PS: Nice speakers!

dougthebiker OP
213 posts
 

Thanks, I highly recommend the GR Research speakers.  You have to build them from the kit, but absolutely worth it if you can solder.

fastfreight
804 posts
 

Hi Doug,  Before I had the Nucleus+ on the network, and the Tambaqui has factory installed internet bridge, so hardwired ethernet to the Tambaqui DAC from my Modem / Switch.  Now I have the Aries on the network and USB to the DAC.

Modem > Bonn 8 Silent Angel switch (powered by one output of HDPlex) > Nucleus+ (powered by other rail of HDPlex) Both of these short connections are Supra Cat 8.  My Aries is downstairs so hardwired from same switch. BUT I have EtherRegen and Network Acoustics Filter in front of the Aries.  Then USB to my Tambaqui DAC, all with Kubala Sosna Power cables and USB.  I use the Network acoustics ethernet cables in front and behind the MUON Filter.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,549 posts
 

@fastfreight

Your setup is one of the best examples of digital streaming done right! 👏

Have you thought of adding an external clock on EtherRegen? I believe few users here have reported positive results. 

fastfreight
804 posts
 

Hi Laltik,  

Thanks for the kind words!  I was looking at a clock very seriously, then pointed my efforts at the Muon Filter System.  I am considering a Sean Jacobs Power Supply for my Aries.  I also want to borrow the EtherRegen to my upstairs system, and see if I miss it in front of the Muon.  Network Acoustics says keep the ER in front of the Muon.  Ken

 

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