Best audio connection: USB out to DAC or LAN to streamer for Roon with NUC12 i7 and Roon Optimized Core Kit (ROCK) (ref#3P5L8A)

Roon Software Discussion
1

Affected Product

Roon

Roon Issue Category

Performance

Description of Issue

I would like to know whats roon perfer usb out to dac or through lan to streamer and than to dac. I use nuc12 i7, my dac n streamer both r roon ready. Streamer is chord 2go2yu, Dac is nagra tube dac. I hear usb out can perform better than through ethernet to streamer. May I know is that right?

Roon Core Platform

Roon Optimized Core Kit (ROCK)

Roon Core Specifications

Intel nuc1260p 32G 3200ddr4, m.2 nvme pcie4 4t n fanless case

Connected Audio Devices

Usb to nagra tube dac or Chromecast to chord 2go2yu

Home Network Details

Modem to edgerouter x to either roon or wifi

3

You will find all possible answers to this question. It depends on your system and the quality of the components and the network.
I am using a direct USB connection from my Nucleus to my DAC and this sounds very good to my ears. I tried the ethernet way, too - with a very good separate streamer in between and no USB, and I prefer the other solution. Others will advise to use a streamer and in no case a direct connection via USB. A matter of personal taste.
Hope that helps.

4

My understanding is that you use a streamer only if you cannot connect your DAC directly to your Core (other rooms/floors/outside/etc.). A streamer is an extension device, so to me it does not make sense to use one if direct USB connection (which is bit perfect, so there is no use in questioning whether a streamer is better) to your core is possible.

5

Somewhere in the Knowledge Base … I can’t just find it

Roon most definitely recommend the Core and End Point be separated across an Ethernet connection.

While a direct USB DAC connection works and many swear by it and use it successfully it is NOT how Roon recommends you set up the system

So …

NUC core → Router → Network (pref Ethernet)

Network → Streamer

Streamer → DAC

I’ll try and find the KB article

Try this

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6

Alternatively, I’d suggest getting a not too bad ddc, e.g. Denafrips GAIA. That would definitely improves the sound quality, significantly.

7

But that makes no sense in this special case where the core IS the endpoint.

8

That‘s probably what you meant … see excerpt:

IMG_9371
IMG_93711340×2146 525 KB

On the other hand, I finally arrived at flawless performance using:
Fanless Win11 core with Roon server install >
USB >
Intona USB Isolator >
USB >
DAC

Always had more or less intermittent audible problems with different RaspberryPis as streamers, no matter what OS (Raspbian, DietPi, Ropieee), wired or WiFi, and even direct USB.

9

I did say that some users swear by direct USB i was quoting the Roon Recommendation

Its up to the individual as to whether they agree with Roon

Wasnt that the original question?

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10

Your understanding does not agree with Roon’s recommended config which is to separate the Core and End Point across a network connection

Roon does not recommend that configuration thats all i was saying

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11

They’re pretty much the same. The alleged differences are mainly mythology. The exact answer depends on the streamer, and how it’s connected to the amp. I’d just use USB if it’s convenient.

5 Likes
12

Are you sure they are not suggesting to use ethernet vs. WiFi, when you are making a network connection?

Any particular DAC might, or might not, work better with USB vs Ethernet vs two cans on a string, depending on how well each piece is implemented. Assuming semi-competent design there are no physical reasons for one to sound any different from another though.

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13

Somewhere in the knowledge base its quite explicit

Have you read the link above from @Marin_Weigel , it’s in there in the excerpt in the post above

There is of course nothing stopping whatever configuration you choose , just a recommendation

I work on Roon Knows Best they designed it

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14

I suspect Roon’s recommendation is as much down to lowering their support burden than anything else.

  • If Roon suggests users connect their USB DAC to a Nucleus and if it fails to work, then they potentially have a support query to handle (even if it eventually turns out the be the DAC that’s at fault)

  • If Roon suggests users connect their USB DAC to a 3d party ‘Roon Ready’ streamer and if it fails to work, the 3rd party has a support query to handle (at least in the first instance).

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15

I disagree…the core->Ethernet->endpoint suggestion is a quality based concept in response to things like full memory playback where the idea is the playback device has very few processes running and thus less likely to generate interference. Believe the objective or not, but it’s not about reducing support.

The suggested configuration is perfectly logical. It just may not be needed if that interference doesn’t exist in your particular stack.

16

I suppose only Roon knows why the particular recommendation is the way that it is. No point in speculating as to their motives.

But in most set-ups, a direct connection via USB or S/PDIF will work equally well, quality-wise. And it eliminates the separate streamer, which is another point of possible failure.

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17

I would think that their motivation is actually explained in “Rule 4: Don’t under-spec the server” of the article linked by (@)Marin_Weigel, where they state:

Invest in your server components just like you would in your other gear, and remember that there is no downside to a Core i7 with a fan if you’ve got it located two rooms away from the listening area.

This is something you can only achieve with Ethernet, not USB.

18

Sure. Don’t get me wrong, I think Roon’s recommendations are quite helpful for those unwilling or unable to think for themselves. Some good basic rules. But not necessarily the be-all and end-all of audio layout design.

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19

C’mon Bill that’s a bit insulting. Around 10-15 years ago, reading about concepts like memory playback, disabling most of an OS to “optimize” a PC for audio, and other such workarounds, I thought, what a pain in the a$$, you can’t change a playlist or do anything other than listen to a static list with such configurations, why can’t we have a setup where a more powerful machine transmits audio to a quieter box?

Then Roon appeared. (I don’t mean like an apparition at midnight or anything, although that would be great marketing).

Now, USB has improved a whole lot since then and I’m not saying its a requirement for good audio at this time. But I don’t think it’s fair to say that considering the recommendations of a product developer means you’re not thinking for yourself.

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21

Rule 5: Use Ethernet between Core and Output

Roon has comprehensive and robust support for WiFi, but the sound quality often isn’t the same. For your highest quality rooms, plan on using wired gigabit ethernet connections between the Core and the Outputs.

This is very much about reducing support burden. Roon does not have resources to troubleshoot every questionable WiFi setup, lack of proper USB Audio drivers and all that. Ethernet connection in a usual home network configuration to a Roon Ready device will pretty much always “just work.”

22

No it’s about quality.

Read the forum, how many threads complain “Roon Doesn’t Work”, “Roon Skips” , “Stuttering and Dropouts” and other variations on the theme .

Quite simply WiFi is (IN MOST CASES) is not up to supplying a stable network connection for Roon.

BEFORE I am shot down in the inevitable flames, many users use it and are happy with their Wi Fi implementation ,many are NOT.

Of those threads that complain most eventually comes down to a sub standard Wi Fi implementation.

To accuse Roon of recommending Ethernet to lighten the support role is simply ludicrous. They are quite simply recommending , from experience, the best quality and trouble free method of connection for their product

The Core > Ethernet > Roon Ready approach is Roon’s best weapon, the piece of kit doing the work (the End Point) is Roon Ready and has been certified to work with a RAAT stream. USB Implementation vary between hardware manufacturers and hence Roon cannot be responsible for that implementation. Roon Tested may approach the few.

You pays your money you takes your choice , but don’t moan if it doesn’t work 100%