I set up a late 2020 Mac Mini (M1 version) as a “headless” Roon Core 3 weeks ago. I am VERY happy with how everything has turned out. I can monitor things from my Apple Laptop via Screen Sharing, and it’s just been a tank. I picked it up on sale via Costco (599, before tax), and it’s been a VERY happy surprise. This might be more expensive than a NUC, but for me, it was much less fiddling.
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Screen Sharing? Why aren’t you running the Roon Remote app on your laptop?
I am, but I also want to check the machine every once in a while. There have been a few updates that I wanted to install, etc. And life is just easier for me if I check it once a day.
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We all know that we can run Roon Server on a MM M1, but what is really your point of this topic? MacOS screen sharing?
I think she is just happy, and maybe a little surprised, that it works so well.
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Precisely! I thought it would be a PITA, and it was remarkably straightforward. And the cost point is exceptional for those of us who don’t want to build a NUC and then set things up.
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One additional thought: NUCs are legendary for failing after 3-4 years. Mac Mini’s are expected to last at least 5-6 years. The cost benefit analyses are compelling, at least for me. And yes, my M1 Mac Mini has been running like a tank since I set it up to run Roon Core.
Only 5 or 6? Knock on wood, but my mid-2014 mini has been providing Roon server service for several years and is as strong as ever. I expect it to go 10 years at least. Hell, I have a macbook pro that is 12 years old and just flies. It’s been bulletproof, and I expect the mini will be similar.