2. digital
  3. 191934-82216

PC or Nuc? running Roon core

I have an old Intel Dell PC in another room running ROON OS. It’s networked via coax to my Gustard r26 DAC/rendering/streaming Quobuz. I have Xfinity internet router direct into the Gustard with Bluejean cable’s best coax. I’ve been intrigued by a newer generation Intel NUC offered on craigslist running the same Roon software. I would swap the NUC for the PC and bring it into the listening room. This would be more convenient because I wouldn’t need to constantly go back and forth, into the other room to turn on, launch roon and power off. So, here’s my question, knowing I would need to add a good USB cable into the NUC connection, I’m wondering if this change a step up is more convenience then sq? How much of a gain in the sq? I’m looking to keep my other components and improve the sound quality.

My system is Maggies 1.7mains, Rogers LS3/5a surrounds, NHT C2 center, Rel 9x, NAD M23 (mains), Parasound HCA 2125a (surrounds/center) Anthem AVM50, Gustard r26, Kimber cables. My music listening is using the Anthem DSP.

I look forward to your feedback.

Cheers!

128x128bigfresser
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,920 posts
 

You can keep the Roon Core on 24/7 in another room away from your system. Ethernet connection to Gustard will most likely sound better than USB from a noisy PC or Nuc. In addition, if Nuc is not fanless you will hear the fan while listening to music. 
If I were you I would pick up a used Lumin U1 Mini and use it as a roon endpoint via USB into gustard with roon core in another room. 

erik_squires
16,056 posts
 

I really like the idea of going with tiny, low power (i.e. efficient) computers. I do often worry about the noise a wall wart or PC power supply can introduce.  If you want to do an all-in-one, consider an NUC you can get a linear power supply for AND get a medical grade isolator for the USB.  It's not always necessary to use, but it's remarkable some DAC makers still don't isolate the USB inputs fully.

bigfresser's avatar
bigfresser OP
4 posts
 

 

erik_squires,  Thank you for your suggestions. 

audphile1. I had roon streamed into a Upgraded Node, connected coax to my Gustard DAC and liked the direct to Gustard sound better. Increased soundstage, ect. But your suggesting going back to a better streamer for best results?  Doesn't the usb cable connect subtract from the sq?

Gentlemen: What do you think of a roon nucleus one or nucleus as alternative to the NUC?

More to discover