"Best" setup (hardware) with the following gear for HQPlayer and Roon?

Audio Gear Talk HQ Player
1

So I currently run a IntelNUCi7 (16GBRam, 512GB NVM Drive) with Windows 11 for both my HQPlayer Desktop and Roon Server installation.

I am almost 100% using streaming services (TIDAL) for music playback via Roon.
In HQPlayer I am currently only using PCM filters/playback as I never got DSD to work reliably. (Negligible CPU load with any PCM filter combo)

It is (Intel NUC with Windows,HQPlayer, Roon) currently connected via USB-C to a “SMSL Po 100 Pro” which in turn is connected via HDMI (IIS) to my “Gustard R30”.

Apart from that I also own an unused Intel Nuci3 (8GB Ram, 128GB SSD).
My Gustard R30 has a NAA endpoint built in that could also be used.
And it also has a USB in port that could be used to connect directly to the Intel NUC’s.

I am considering the following, installing HQPlayer embedded/OS on one of the Intel NUC’s instead, and ROON Core on the other Intel NUC (Not sure which one for what application).
Would that be recommended instead of my current setup?
NUCI7 + “HQPlayer” AND NUCi3 + “ROON Core”?
NUCI7 + “ROON Core” AND NUCi3 + “HQPlayer”?
”Current setup” (NUCI7 + Windows + HQPlayer Desktop + Roon Server)

Follow up question, which connection would be the “better one”,
HQplayer NUC - via USB to Gustard R30
HQPlayer NUC - via USB to “SMSL Po 100 Pro” to HDMI to “Gustard R30”
HQPlayer NUC - via NAA to “Gustard R30”

Thanks for reading this far :smiley:

2

This is certainly better option, as Roon doesn’t take much CPU in this kind of setup. While HQPlayer does.

This is most straightforward, but may be a bit old NAA version.

This is best for use with latest NAA OS version.

3

Thanks Jussi!

I will try your suggested setup.

4

Hi, when I study your hardware, I identify a lot of those ‘inaudible’ (expert claims), but numerous tweaks that have taken my rig from the good standard level to a far higher competitor.

I use a dedicated NAA to feed my DAC.

I use a local network of optical lines, but with good linear PSU’s feeding the various media converters.

I have local clusters of electrical network devices, they are consequently interconnected using shielded cables, but connected in a star earth config with a central switch connected to protective earth. I chose a cheap D-Link unmanaged, but with 230 Volt mains feed and protective earth and QoS quality of service feature.

I isolate the USB line with optical converters, good linear power supplies.

For DC fed devices I use good linear power supplies, replacing the enclosed switch mode dito. Especially, but not limited to only the NUC’s power sources.

In addition to linear power supplies I use DC filter devices with very short patches (less than 20 cm). It cleans the DC additionally and places an energy buffert very close to the device.

It is perfect tweaks to update as it does not need ‘everything’. It is usually audible with already the first tiny steps. None of them cost high-end. I work as high-end consultant, but these tweaks are cheap but a number of them.

I know that people question these creative measures. In know what I know, I am not a person subject to religious beliefs, I am an electro engineer. If this makes you curious, I am happy to assist via PM. I would not even say what to expect, as any expectancy bias will ruin the perceived difference. The people who try this in my ‘hood, never look back and constantly ask (nag) for updates what to ‘fix’.

5

Thanks Stefan!

I also considered this, using the NAA points instead of physical cables. I will try that as well.

Thanks for the suggestions, also do I see a fellow Swede? (Ignore my pseudonym name here) :wink::+1:t2:

6

Off course, we Swedes are like stray noise, audible all over the world… If close enough there is always the possibility of an audition of all the tweaks…My nick tells I am an resident consultant engineer for Jorma Audio, a company in the Marten Speakers group.

7

I believe I have some (very short) length of Jorma cables inside my QLN Prestige 3 speakers :slight_smile:
If you can suggest any tweaks I am open minded, I always try things before disregarding their usefulness.

Myself I’m located in Gothenburg!

1 Like
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Ohhh, my God, another one struggling in the swamp (träsk) … :wink: … glad to make your acquaintance. I live in Vänersborg, occasionally coming in to Mölndal for meetings etc. I am not that convinced about the Jorma inside your speaker, to be honest, it may well be a proprietary cable by Mats own development, manufactured by another company in Ljungskile. If I am right, I participated in the evaluation board of that cable. I worked at that manufacturer at the time. I designed the branded DC-blocker.

Fun fact, I and Mats ranged the cable prototypes in exactly same order, A, B, C and D samples. Totally different in every other aspect, ie occasion, location, equipment, but the outcome was pretty easy to pin, the chosen cable was superior in every aspect.

I will be looking out for you here. CU :heart:

9

Indeed! the swamp :smiley:
You might be right, Mats did some work on it, I just remembered some mention of Jorma or at least the participation of in the development, what a small world it is!
I actually own one of the first batches of the Prestige three, I think he did some revision of the cable shielding within after mine, perhaps I should replace the internal cabling as a tweak in itself! Would you be able recommend a cable for me perhaps, both internal and externa speaker cables?

That Jorma DC blocker looks really nice BTW!
Myself I auditioned the “Taihang Power Enhancer” from “Kinki Studio”, and I did not expect it to make such a big difference, not in my budget right now but a future upgrade or similar device.

Wish you a great weekend Stefan!

1 Like
10

I will send you a PM on this, it may well be considered commercially biased. Hope you have/had a great weekend too.