Setup: Roon server running on a MacMini.
Endpoints: Various, but the one in question is my MacBook Pro.
I’ve been happy enough with my MacBook Pro + Grado SR325, however my work’s VPN (which I connect to off/on throughout the work day) routes all network and when I use it, I cannot listen to my Roon.
I am contemplating setting up something else in my office for this. RaspberryPI setup with a DAC/amp? I can use Roon remote on my Android tablet or an iPhone…
You’d still need a Roon server, though, which necessitates either a ROON Nucleus, or a PC with ROCK, MacOS, Windows, or Linux.
I run a Roon server on a MacMini. I’ve edited my original post for clarity.
Sounds like your work VPN is blocking external stuff , I doubt any hardware streamer will be any different .
When I was working out IT guys blocked all sorts of sites notably Facebook and Twitter. The claim was a productivity improvement which I could believe if everybody didn’t use their cell phones instead !! 
@Mike_O_Neill I have a VPN on my MacBook Pro. When I use it, I cannot connect to my Roon server.
I am looking for a standalone endpoint that is not my MacBook Pro. I do not need it to be portable, it will be on my desk.
Mojo (amp) +Poly (streamer) ?
Actually, what’s happening is that Roon server cannot discover Roon running on your MacBook. However, if you turn off the VPN briefly when starting the Roon client, it will be found, and will continue to work when the VPN is re-enabled.
Here is the steps I followed:
In this case, you will need to check the VPN settings, so it allows local traffic. This is sometimes referred to as split tunnelling.
Respectfully, I know how my VPN operates: There is no way to split tunnel. It is locked down by the company to route all traffic.
Another option. I just loaded RoonServer on my laptop and when at work use it locally with a USB attached DAC; then switch back to the home server when I’m home. At work I don’t bother with local files and just use Qobuz. Works like a champ and i don’t have to deal with messing with the company network.
Yeah, that is an option that…I don’t want to do. Realistically I am trying to not use my work laptop for personal stuff. and I want to buy more toys? 
How about a RaspPi with a DAC and a headphone amp?
I’m assuming you’re working in an office on the same network as your Roon server, but not the same room? If you’re in the same room you could just connect a USB DAC (such as a Mojo) to your MacMini.
If in a different room on the same network, on paper, I’d say the Mojo/Poly combination should work, but, I haven’t used a Poly so couldn’t say for sure.
What I have used in a similar setup is an ifi ZEN Stream. Price wise that would come in at a bit under a Poly. You would then need to pair that with a suitable DAC. Personally, I’ve used the ZEN with a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M and a Chord Qutest. I’m assuming from what you have outlined your preference is for something to use with headphones so the Qutest wouldn’t work for you, but, it is similar enough to a Mojo that I’m sure a Mojo would work. The DACMagic would also work as it has a headphone port, though it is more geared to outputting to an amp and speakers so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it in your use case. ifi do, however, do a range of DAC’s and DAC/Headphone amps which would pair with nicely with the Stream. Ultimately though the ZEN Stream should pair with pretty much any DAC.
A possible all in one solution would be a Cambridge EVO75 Streaming Amplifier. But that’s going to be a bit pricier and have a bigger physical footprint than the ifi devices and may be overkill if you just want something for headphone use.
OK, and just to throw another curveball - What about using my Google Pixel tablet with a USB-C dongle to my Grado SR325 and calling it good?
I don’t see why that would not work if you have your tablet within arm’s reach of your desk anyway.
I’m in a similar situation. I solved it by deploying a little Raspberry Pi 4 at my desk. For work Zoom calls, I switch my Topping E50 to the Optical input, to which I have my work laptop connected. For music, I switch the E50 to the USB input where my Rpi 4 Roon endpoint lives. Desktop “beeps and boops” I have routed to the speakers in my work MacBook Pro (via Rogue Amoeba SoundSource) so that I don’t miss important notifications.
That’ll work fine. There are plenty of good USB DAC/headphone amps around. One possible downside though is power. Most portable DACs will last no more than a day on a charge and not all like being plugged in to a power source permanently. Anecdotally, I believe the Mojo2 is OK being plugged in for long periods of use, but, I blew the battery on an iBasso using it that way.
FiiO SR11 - Roon Ready streamer
+
FiiO K11 R2R - DAC, headphone amp
I am using the FIIO K11 R2R DAC in my living room. It sits between my CXN V2 streamer and my CXA81 amplifier. It sounds really great to me 
Wiim ultra into some active speakers here, fab and simple
I recently have made two similar but different threads, in my garage I’ve made the decision to go the Raspberry Pi route: Cheapest/easiest Roon setup for garage - #6 by igor_b
For my desktop setup, still not sure. I will be using my tablet for now, but it’s a bit fiddly of a setup to get everything set up. Would be nice to have a better dedicated setup.
My Grado SR325 certainly do not need an amplifier…
