· I’m really struggling trying to understand what I need.. I basically stream everything via Quboz.. I have very few files. I do not use the multi-room feature at all. What I so want to use is DOP in Muse settings and as high of DSD upsampling as my DAC will handle.
I’m currently on an older MacBook that shows I’m getting really good numbers. My MacBook has been in my room with a direct connection to my DAC. I’m moving my network around to allow for a Roon server to sit next to my switch. In my listening room, I will have an Eversolo T8 streamer (connected via network cable), connected to a Denafrips Ares 2 DAC.
Now, I really don’t want to build my own server (NUC), so, I’m looking at a Nucleus or other potential systems for my Roon server. I don’t want to spend on a Nucleus Titan, so, I’m left with the Nucleus One or a used Nucleaus +. Can the Nucleus One handle my needs? If not, what options are available for me to look into?
Tell us about your home network
· I'm currently changing out my network to Ubiquity stuff including the router and swtiches. The Roon Server will connect wired as well as my Eversolo T8. I have AT&T 1 gig fiber.
You do not need to use DSD over PCM (DoP) with your streamer and DAC since both support native DSD over USB. Indeed, using DoP will mean a maximum of DSD64, and the Nucleus ONE can handle this.
If you want the max. PCM to DSD conversion (limited by the Eversolo), you can achieve DSD512.
So, the question is whether the Nucleus ONE or Nucleus Titan offer what you need in terms of processing performance (Muse.)
Hi, you don’t make it clear (to me) what you want to do. Do you want Roon and HQPlayer on the same machine or are you happy to run one on existing hardware and get something new for Roon? If I were you (in the MAC ecosystem) then I’d buy a relatively powerful M4 Mini and put both on it. They will coexist quite happily on the same machine. The ten core M4 won’t break the bank and will be more powerful than what it replaces. The 16gb machine should suffice.
Yes, using the Mac with the DAC directly connected to it via USB (according to your original post) only DSD over PCM was available to you.
However, with your Eversolo streamer you may use native DSD up to DSD512.
Therefore, if you want the highest PCM to DSD conversion, you should not use DoP since this will only offer DSD64.
This is important since the Nucleus ONE will handle conversion to DSD64, but probably not DSD512.
Elsewhere you (@Stacey_King) said you did not want to use HQPlayer.
Given the confusion, can you explain why you want to convert PCM to DSD. Whilst this should not be a debate about the pros and cons of each format, it would be helpful to understand your reasoning.
To give you a direct answer regarding your server choice: If your goal is high-rate DSD upsampling (DSD256 or DSD512) using Roon’s Muse (DSP), the Nucleus One will likely not be powerful enough for your needs.
Upsampling PCM (from Qobuz) to DSD is one of the most CPU-intensive tasks you can ask a Roon Server to perform. It requires significant “single-core” processing power to calculate those delta-sigma modulations in real-time.
Nucleus One: While it is fantastic for library management and light DSP (like EQ), it will struggle or “stutter” when trying to upsample to DSD256, and DSD512 is likely out of the reach of its processor.
Nucleus+ (Used): It has much more “horsepower” and can typically handle DSD256 comfortably. DSD512 is possible but can still be hit-or-miss depending on which filters you choose in Muse.
Nucleus Titan: This is designed specifically for these heavy-lift scenarios, but as you mentioned, it carries a premium price tag.
If you want to avoid building a NUC but need DSD upsampling power without the Titan price:
Look for a used Nucleus+: This is your best “plug-and-play” bet for DSD upsampling.
A powerful Mac Mini: Since you are already comfortable with a MacBook, a newer Mac Mini (M2 or M3) makes an incredibly powerful Roon Server that can handle DSD512 with ease, often for less than the cost of a Nucleus.
My recommendation: If DSD512 upsampling is your priority, steer clear of the Nucleus Titan or self-built NUC PC.
Get a Intel Asus nuc 13th gen i7, 16gb ram, 256 gb nvme ssd for the OS, and then liad Roon Rock. Then you will have a faster than titan pc using the same foundational motherboard.
We’ve not seen a reply in some time but want to ensure you’ve received the support you need here. Do you have any further questions we can help answer before this thread auto-closes due to inactivity? Any response from the OP will bump the thread timer and keep the topic open; otherwise, you might have to request a new support thread here if you need to revive the discussion moving forward.
This topic thread is closing out due to inactivity, but you can reactivate the conversation at the link provided in my previous post. You can also post anytime in Roon Software Discussion and users can share their recommendations. Thank you!
