Absolute best dedicated computer to run Roon sever

[MarkS]

In terms of SQ, what is the absolute best dedicated computer to run Roon server (or Roon Rock).  My files are on a NAS, but I do DSP with Roon, so I need some power.

 

Please advise.  Thx.

[MarkS]

Seems like dual (or more) bridged ethernet is important.

[ismewor]

Audiograde switch and or router is a must if you look for SQ

[seeteeyou]

Most things in our lives should be relative IMHO, it's quite a challenge to define the term absolute best unless we're aware of what comparisons are out there.

 

And then no (specific range of) budget was given, it's kinda tricky to give you any kinda answers.

 

Anyways, here's a solid starting point if you're looking for the absolute best

 

 

A power supply makes a difference, a voltage regulator makes a difference, a system clock makes a difference, a motherboard makes a difference, a storage device makes a difference, an SATA filter makes a difference, noise makes a difference, SoC (usually Atom/Celeron/Pentium) versus PCH makes a difference, an operating system makes a difference, the amount of RAM makes a difference, the current draw makes a difference, a cables makes a difference, I could keep going but most likely you should get it by now.

 

And then there's also an option that could be ideal

 

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/?page=153&tab=comments#comment-724987

Quote

DFI was willing to design a motherboard for me to my specifications, however, it would have cost $1,500 minimum to get the project off the ground.

 

Since you're considering the absolute best, Paul Hynes SR7 is supposedly second to none but unfortunately his business might be affected by his health issues.

 

In that case, it would be wise to get in touch with Dr. Sean Andrew Jacobs who designed the Triple Linear PSU for Innous

 

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sean-jacobs-250a8348

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/07478867/officers

https://darko.audio/2017/10/richer-sounds-with-the-innuos-zenith-mkii-se/

http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/innuos-zenith-se-mkii-std-network-audio-server

 

Talk to him about building something that's even better than their reference level PSU CHC-555PS as well as that Triple Linear PSU mentioned above. Maybe you could simply acquire that Supermicro X10SBA-L motherboard that's also chosen by Innous, then ask Dr. Jacobs to design the absolute best PSU for that motherboard and an Intel X25-E SSD etc.

 

http://www.custom-hifi-cables.co.uk/home/power-supplies/chc-555ps

 

If everything mentioned above were too much to handle, ask MSB Technology and find out if their Select Transport were able to run Roon server. Make sure that you're getting their Femto 33 Clock

 

http://www.msbtech.com/image/2015Brochure.pdf#page=5

http://www.msbtech.com/image/Retail_Price_List_2016.pdf

http://www.msbtechnology.com/the-reference-select-transports/

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/23612-msb-network-renderer-module-quad-dsd-experience/

 

[MarkS]

Thanks, but since I am looking to run Roon, I am not sure the MSB would work.  I agree about the need for a tip flight PSU.  That can be added.  Based upon my desire to run Roon and for multiple ethernet ports (JCAT femto ethernet card), I think I will go with the top of the line Sonic Transporter with the ethernet card added.  I will start with SGC's multiracial PSU, then will try the JS-2 or Vinni Rossi's LPSU.  Too much bad stuff out there about Paul Hynes failing to ship.

[ismewor]

17 hours ago, MarkS said:

Thanks, but since I am looking to run Roon, I am not sure the MSB would work.  I agree about the need for a tip flight PSU.  That can be added.  Based upon my desire to run Roon and for multiple ethernet ports (JCAT femto ethernet card), I think I will go with the top of the line Sonic Transporter with the ethernet card added.  I will start with SGC's multiracial PSU, then will try the JS-2 or Vinni Rossi's LPSU.  Too much bad stuff out there about Paul Hynes failing to ship.

@marks Keep that in mind, there is a newcomer on the block. TheLinearSolution in the USA. They do great on TC and OC network and LPS. 

Link for their OCXO switch http://thelinearsolution.com/ocxo_switch.html

[MarkS]

Thx. Interesting. Always seemsed to me that audiophile routers and switches were long overdue. I think (hope) I won’t need that stuff using the bridged Ethernet from the JCAT card, but the LPSU looks nice. I will start with the LPSU from SGC made for the Sonic Transporter, then consider alternatives.