Aurosonic
100+ Head-Fier
Does it matter what component is used as a Roon core when streaming over a network?
Most would agree that using a computer as a Roon core and connecting it to a DAC via USB is not ideal. The computer can generate tons of EMI which is then transmitted to the DAC. However, when streaming over a network using RAAT, the computer can be galvanically isolated from the rest of the chain. Noise is no longer a concern.
This raises the question as to whether the Roon core matters. Dedicated music servers of any flavor (Mac Mini, Intel NUC, Raspberry Pi, servers from Aurender, Innuos, Lumin, etc.) are simply computers that have been optimized for best sound quality. They will perform far better than a regular computer when connected directly to a DAC.
Does this advantage hold true when streaming?
Most would agree that using a computer as a Roon core and connecting it to a DAC via USB is not ideal. The computer can generate tons of EMI which is then transmitted to the DAC. However, when streaming over a network using RAAT, the computer can be galvanically isolated from the rest of the chain. Noise is no longer a concern.
This raises the question as to whether the Roon core matters. Dedicated music servers of any flavor (Mac Mini, Intel NUC, Raspberry Pi, servers from Aurender, Innuos, Lumin, etc.) are simply computers that have been optimized for best sound quality. They will perform far better than a regular computer when connected directly to a DAC.
Does this advantage hold true when streaming?
