Best version of Windows for AO?

[Crom]

Hi all,

I have been using AudioLinux for a few years with some good results but my Roon Database has grown to the point where I need to return to Windows, as RoonServer is significantly more stable on that OS. So, as a previous happy user of AO I'd like to explore its benefits once again but which operating system should I choose? I previously used 2012 R2 and from some initial reading I read that @AudioPhil recommended headless. I also read that @dminches commented that moving to server 2019 GUI would bring the SQ of previous server versions but with the benefit of a GUI. I also understand that one must decide whether to install core or GUI and we can no longer change between the two like we did back in 2012. So, whilst I'm quite happy using a command line, I'd prefer to avoid it if possible. So what's the best OS?

 

2012 R2 core?

2016 GUI or core?

2019 GUI?

....or is it worth going 2019 core?

 

Thank you for any help and opinion you may have.

Regards,

Ben

[TJHUB]

Having recently ran Windows 10 Pro, WS2016 GUI and Core, and WS2019 GUI, Windows Server 2019 GUI is significantly best for sound quality having the most detail and transparency.  Windows Server 2016 GUI is very good as well having a richer tone, but less transparency.  Windows 10 Pro is not remotely in the same league as the Server OS's for sound quality.  I haven't used WS2012 since WS2016 became available.

 

All of my recent testing is with AO3.0 and JPLAY Femto.  I've never tried Roon, and likely never will.  

 

 

[AudioPhil]

Hello all

 

I think this is somewhat a difficult question to answer. For me one thing is aboslutely for sure, Windows 10 is just not the best way to go. I do understand that it is much cheaper and also that it is misstakenly "easier" than the server grade OS. But, its just too bloated to really be an excellent plattform.

 

The server grade OS, all of them, are by nature just much better suited for the job. Depending on what you want to achieve, there are a few pro's and con's to each one of them. 2012 & 2012 R2 hat a huge plus in my eyes with the Minimal-Server mode. I also appreciated to ability to switch between GUI, Core and Minimal-Server mode on the fly, even if it didn't work perfectly all the time (this beaing also the reason why removed it in 2016 and 2019).

 

2016 and 2019 do sound better to me, a lot to be honest. My personal favorite is 2019 in Core, i can't get me system any better than with 2019 in Core and AO 3.00 in ultimate mode using almost all options. But here the mileage may and will vary for others... One might like 2016 more, yet another 2012 R2 and yet another one will be in love with 2019. As often in this area, in the end it's a matter of 1) personal taste and 2) all components used in the chain and how they match and harmonize with each other.

 

From a practical standpoint my recomendation always is Server 2019 in GUI. You get phenomenal sound quality together with the ease of a GUI installation. It's the easiest way to reach 95%+ of the possible sound quality with only very small effort and great stability.

 

So in the end there is probably no definitve answer which will fit every case, but as a rule of thumb, which works more often than not, you could list it like this: Windows 10 < Server 2012 R2 GUI < Server 2012 R2 Core/Server 2016 GUI < Server 2016 Core/Server 2019 GUI < Server 2019 Core

[Crom]

Great stuff. thanks both.

 

Last week I had Linux with a constantly problematic Roon database (NB - nothing at all to do with audiolinux, I really rate that distro. The issue was with mono libraries that are used under linux, by Roon). Documented issues here: https://community.roonlabs.com/t/roonappliance-system-private-corelib-system-outofmemoryexception/98175

 

Yesterday I had Windows 10 Pro.

 

Last night I wrestled with installed 2019 GUI on a NUC (what a pain...network drivers, graphic drivers...). Anyway, 2019 is installed along with a shiny new upgrade to AO 3 (nice work @AudioPhil). Sitting here and it's sounding great....no...REALLY GREAT!

 

Gah...it's got me tempted to build a new server to replace the NUC now...

[TJHUB]

Glad it worked out for you!

[AudioPhil]

On 3/31/2020 at 10:10 PM, Crom said:

Great stuff. thanks both.

 

Last week I had Linux with a constantly problematic Roon database (NB - nothing at all to do with audiolinux, I really rate that distro. The issue was with mono libraries that are used under linux, by Roon). Documented issues here: https://community.roonlabs.com/t/roonappliance-system-private-corelib-system-outofmemoryexception/98175

 

Yesterday I had Windows 10 Pro.

 

Last night I wrestled with installed 2019 GUI on a NUC (what a pain...network drivers, graphic drivers...). Anyway, 2019 is installed along with a shiny new upgrade to AO 3 (nice work @AudioPhil). Sitting here and it's sounding great....no...REALLY GREAT!

 

Gah...it's got me tempted to build a new server to replace the NUC now...

Indeed great news Hope you enjoy it!