A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

[elpampeano]

hi guys, my first post in C.A...and my question is : i want to purchase the Roon license. my system is on build and i want to connect the endpoint in a lan bridge (with a dual lan card), so : what Roon i need ? Server, bridge, core ? once i purchase the license, can i swap the system software or i die with one ?

i question that because my renderer in fist instance will be a Allo USBridge lps and battery powered, then migrate to a nuc celeron with emmc or a Sonore mrendu. Thanks ! 

 

[elpampeano]

A question...here where i live, is hard to find a NUC Celeron (or insaneliy expensive -420 bucks, obscene-), so, this mobo Will work as endpoint with Audiolinux running from the RAM ? (With a little SSD for SO storage). Is a Celeron J1900 quadcore with a TPU of 10w. Maybe don't have the Intel Quality but...is a lot more cheaper. (There are some mini-itx even more cheaper, same processor). To make some idea, here a MicroRendu sells for 1000 dollars...

[elpampeano]

I cannot upload the Photos...is a "industrial" Mobo from Aliexpress...

[elpampeano]

http://Bay trail nano itx motherrboard Intel J1900 mini pc 1 ethernet port 120mm*120mm motherboard STX-N39 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c9Pp7jw0 

[elpampeano]

Thanks to this post, i discovery AudioLinux...amazing, really amazing. Now into the step two, build a i5/i7 endpoint And SJJG cables for the LPS and Ethernet

[elpampeano]

[elpampeano]

about power...can an Meiyan 100w powers two Nuc at 12v with an "Y" cable ? LPS haves 12v and 6.5 Amps...or should i buy a new one power supply ? i alread have one now....question before buy the second nuc

[elpampeano]

Holly Molly. My first setup with dual PC, Nuc endpoint running Roon with AL discless/ramboot...the upgrade in SQ is simply amazing, i cannot believe the difference. 

Thanks Piero for the support, first class. 

And all of you guys for the know how.

Now is time for power supplys upgrades (i Will use my server LPS -Meiyan 100w)

[elpampeano]

2 hours ago, LTG2010 said:

 

audiolinux_mini_05.img.gz thats the headless one just burn it with Rufus 2.18 DD image.

Chose UEFI boot not legacy.

turn off secure boot.

chose linux os.

Good point. New Rufus version (3.3) don't Works for me. And "ISO image" don't Works too.

[elpampeano]

I made a mistake the first time that i setup the endpoint in Ramboot, I was listening in standard mode. Now go to Extreme and the difference in transparency and speed is amazing. Plus, my Nuc barely gets warm Even after 5 hours of unstop playing. 

[elpampeano]

8 hours ago, gsquared said:

First I want to give a big shoutout to @romaz, @austinpop, @lmitche and many other smart people who have contributed to this awesome thread. I have been here reading & taking notes since the very beginning and have implemented several of the recommendations along the way.

 

I have an issue that I hope some of you in the CA community might be able to help me narrow down and solve. I recently moved and just re-setup my system, but for some inexplicable reason, there is much less bass that I used to get before. I am using Spendor LS3/5As (same as before) and even though they only go down to about 90Hz, they still had impressive bass energy that I could feel in my previous home office. That is now gone.

 

I'm trying to narrow down what I should tackle first, so I don't have to completely reconfigure my system to match my old setup. I have a relatively small room to work with, so it makes changing things a PITA.

 

I run a separate Roon server and renderer, same DAC and speakers, but I've changed some things in the new house (yes I suffer from audio neurosis).

 

Here's what's changed in the new system:

1. I'm now using a Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L switch and copper ethernet cable for the network, instead of a MikroTik Fiber switch, fiber cable and FMCs. I haven't done anything to the Cisco in terms of configuration. I just plugged it in and started using it.
2. I do NOT have a bridged network setup now, whereas previously I did. (Thanks again @romaz for the OP about the positive SQ impact this brings.)
3. Roon server now runs on an Intel NUC instead of a sonicTransporter (original model).
4. I am using Roon server + endpoint (Roon only), whereas previously I ran Roon + HQPlayer upsampled to DSD256. (Previously HQPlayer ran on my Mac Mini with Uptone Audio MMK DC conversion kit)

Everything else (for the most part) is the same as before.

 

For ethernet cables, I'm using Vandesail CAT8 cables because they were cheap and I need a few long runs to go from my Orbi satellite in my office to the Cisco switch.

 

My gut tells me it *might* be the copper vs fiber that is causing the loss of bass. I don't think going from HQPlayer to Roon could cause such a decrease in bass, but it might be. For now, I'm just going to start switching out the easy stuff to see if I can hear a change.

 

Anyone have any suggestions on what you think might be the primary culprit for the loss of bass - based on your experience?

I have the same situation with my Apogees Centaur Minor/Proceed BPA2 (they're wonderful speakers but bass-shy) when i go to the NIC endpoint : the case was more control and not less bass. The Definition on bass notes is now better than Ever, but without the bummy bass. Look on that...takes some time to adapt.

Cheers and enjoy !!

 

[elpampeano]

I question on original post subject : i Will buy a dual NIC m-pcie to bridge the server (a Celeron mini ITX with 1 LAN). So, i see an RL-Link with Intel i350am2 chipset but the tech sheet says "Now with the BRIDGELESS Technologies of the i350 controller..." What they says ? Can i build a bridge connection with this NIC card ? -i only have a free mini pci-e slot-

Thanks in advance

[elpampeano]

Ready to try to install my bridge ethernet connection. Router>server to switch (fs108)>endpoint. well...it's very difficult -i'm not skilled on command lines-,so,  i will follow some of the graphics and instructions posted here.