Wrong, it should read: are willing to spend the cash on a “music” server.
No, that is your motivation. It isn’t representative of everyone. And let’s try to keep in mind the other 2k plus devices on the market. That is where Innuos’s main competition is. Pink Faun, Melco, Antipodes etc. Nucleus is solely focussed on Roon. That is not its weakness, it is its strength.
Not sure I understand your argument. We are in a Roon forum here, so am I definitely assuming this pertains to Roon subscribers. My argument was, hypothetically, since I am Roon subscriber, and looking to upgrade from my general purpose computer as a Roon server, to a dedicated machine, wouldn’t Nucleus and Innuos be competitors? I am talking about $2K plus devices in the market.
What exactly is my motivation then?
Sorry, I should have been clearer. The reasons you choose hardware, and spend what you do is personal. And in addition to Innuos, a high quality server that includes Roon functionality, we have other players that promote their multi functionality. The Nucleus USP at its price point is it is a dedicated device. It sets it apart and in my view has a user base who want that simplicity.
Any of the devices mentioned whether it be the antipodes, innuos or Melco all offer a free option like squeezelite and sonically are way better than the nucleus or roon for that matter.
That doesn’t make the Nucleus or Roon sonically bad. And free options? How much are they again?
between $2k and $13k, pick your poison.
I agree the the nucleus sound good. I did audition it but much preferred the zenith.
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If 13K is really your budget and you are Roon focused, this should be on your short list:
A Roon Core & one of the best multi-channel DACs (stereo available as well) available, all wrapped into one package. No need for any other box. Just it, Amp, speakers. Done.
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Not sure that’s playing out as such. With Innuos giving better SQ with Roon than Roon themselves on the Nucleus. Maybe with the hinted at smart integration i seem to recall somewhere but this whole thread is about SQ.
Let’s recap. This thread was originally about the mkIII iteration of the Zenith and its evolution to a Pentium N4200 processor. There was no discussion about SQ until later. So basically this machine sits below the minimum spec required to run Roon Core. It is fine as an end point, but that isn’t how it is being pitched in this thread. Also used with Roon in its Roon/Squeezelite mode it has issues that we have already acknowledged some here would like Roon to address. Even though the functionality sits outside Roon’s remit for Roon Readiness, on a box that doesn’t meet minimum spec as a core, and belongs to another company. Have I missed anything?
Let’s put this in perspective. I see that you would like the experimental functionality of Roon and Squeezelite to work better on your specific machines. But you can’t possibly expect that to be any sort of priority to Roon given that they have their own product to run. And Innuos’ claim this is Roon’s to ‘fix’ is highly questionable in my view. The ‘experimental’ tag is the clue there. So here is the thing. On an underspecced Innuos rig, using an unsanctioned config, this issue sits with Innuos. So how this plays out on a Roon forum might not do them too many favours. Because search Innuos here and this is what they see. This about so much more than just SQ.
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Thanks so much, Sid!
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So interested in getting Roon off my old Mac Mini. I am looking at the Innuos and small green computer i5. Any tips would be appreciated.
Take a look at putting together your own NUC with ROCK, imho.
@Rugby A NUC is how I started down this path. I was looking to build a Nuc8i5BCH but I ran across the Innuos while looking. The Innous would check a few boxes and the nucleus us is on sale today so, I am looking to do something today.
Hello, very interested in getting a Innuos Server. I have a small collection of CDs ( 300 ish) that i want to rip and a small library on NAS. I also have a Oppo 205. Anyone know if I can use the Oppo as a Dac via USB and use the Innuos as a Core?
You can use your Oppo 205 as a DAC via USB. I don’t know anything about the Innuos.
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Hi @josh_mcgowan I’m the opposite to Jim in that I don’t know anything about the DAC but I have an Innuos Zen MK3.
The Innuos has my ripped local collection on its Hard Drive (about 800 CDs + my 50 or so high Res downloads) and acts as Roon Core.
I connect it directly to my streamer (Naim NDS) via an ethernet cable.
I understand the Innuos can be connected directly to a DAC/amplifier, have a look at the Innuos Zen Mini/Zen quick start guide, that will show you the connection options.
I had read that the Innuos as a Roon Core is not powerful enough from a processing perspective if you want to do a lot of DSP within Roon.
I apply some DSP and havent had any performance issues whatsoever, just so you know!
I’m really happy with the way that the Innuos has enabled me to kill 2 birds with one stone effectively, and it does it seamlessly, was really easy to set up as the Core and I’ve had no issues at all.
There are other ways to do the same thing (eg. NUC, NAS) but this was the way I felt most comfortable with.
Good luck!
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I use my Innuos Zenith III as a Roon core connected by usb to my DAC. Works flawlessly and sounds amazing.
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Cool thanks Chris great to know the ZENmini fits my price range and space available in my rack!