I'm not a PC user and all apple as well with zero issues with Roon (they play well together); if you have a spare apple mini that is ten years old, I think you can still turn it into a Roon Core. There's plenty of info online about doing it and hardware compatibility; or for $500 bucks, you can buy a new fanless Roon Nucleus, recently released which is plug and play, issue free and running stable in 3 minutes; You just plug it into your ethernet network, turn it on; and Bob's your Uncle.
On a diffrent note:
I agree, it's a tough find, finding Tidal Connect and I2S for under $1K (new). Too bad about Holo Red, I was going to suggest that too but I too am reading the issues, bummer.
Maybe finding a used DDC like the Denafrips Iris DDC ($400) could solve your problem and give you many more options. You may want to look for a used Bluesound Node already converted to a DC power & Linear power supply as a transport; can be found used for around $350 (cheap) and can confirm its better sounding than a Wiim pro with a LPS. Or look a for used Eversolo DMP-A6 for around $550 (no I2S), or find one already updated like the Bluesound with a DC board & LPS (big sound upgrade). All of these to be used with DDC.
Don't fret, I think your goal is doable; just needs a little more research.
EDIT:
PS: Check out the Silent Angel M1T "V2", has both Tidal Connect & I2s, And cheaper than a Holo Red
Do your search for reviews on it. You can later on add a LPS to it, to improve SQ
Personally, I would go with a Bluesound Node w/DC upgrade & DDC (if you must have I2s) going to your Denafrips, and a new Roon Nucleus. Or at first just use Tidal Connect to Bluesound. You also have other options out there,
PS, PS> The Mercury V3 is also a DAC, which you don't need since you have the way better Denafrips. So you'll be paying for hardware (a lot of it) inside the streamer that you will not being using or needing.
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