Mac mini to dac Roon stopping

Alastair_Romanes · April 11, 2019, 3:24pm

Core Machine (Operating system/System info/Roon build number)

Mac Mini

Network Details (Including networking gear model/manufacturer and if on WiFi/Ethernet)

Virgin Hub3 Ethernet

Audio Devices (Specify what device you’re using and its connection type - USB/HDMI/etc.)

Mac Mini/Toshiba HDD/BluSound Node 2i/Optical to Benchmark DAC2
Mac Mini/Toshiba HDD USB from Mini to Benchmark DAC2
Description Of Issue
Works perfectly
Works perfectly for 30 seconds then sound stops then stream stops. Hit pause and play works perfectly then stops

wizardofoz · April 11, 2019, 3:32pm

Can you detail more specifically the models of the macs cpu RAM disk types etc.

My gut feel is that you are probably suffering some lack of performance with your core at least not able to cope at all.

Maybe some details about your network will be useful too, and your internet connection if you are streaming from online services. What’s using WiFi and what’s lan wired.

Check this post out Suggested hardware

Alastair_Romanes · April 11, 2019, 5:46pm

Mac Mini mid 2010 2.66 ghz Intel core 2 duo memory 4gb 1067 MHz DDR3
BluNode and mac mini are wired, Network functions well - what details do you need.

wizardofoz · April 11, 2019, 6:38pm

Ok a 2010 macmini is not going to cut it for roon imho. Do you have a more recen machine to run the core on to test at least?

https://kb.roonlabs.com/FAQ:_What_are_the_minimum_requirements%3F

dylan · April 11, 2019, 10:55pm

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

As wizardofoz mentioned, your Core definitely falls below our recommendations, which can impact performance and cause issues like what you’re seeing.

Does the Mac Mini use an SSD? How many tracks total are in your Roon library?

Alastair_Romanes · April 12, 2019, 6:26pm

My library is about 1000 cds. I have a MacBook Air as well which I could use to test. The mini copes perfectly via the Node 2i and previously with a microRendu and a Topping amp so I suspect I may be missing something elementary here. The mini doesn’t use an SSD as far as I’m aware.

wizardofoz · April 13, 2019, 1:57am

So is you described issue 1&3 are one setup that’s ok and 2&4 are are the issue? If so your details are a bit hard to determine

Are you doing any dsp like up sampling?

Alastair_Romanes · April 13, 2019, 4:26pm

Thanks for replies. I’m sorry - I just noticed the automatic numbering took over - it should read

First Setup - works flawlessly
2.Second setup - problematic

I’m not doing any upsampling. Is there any reason why Roon shouldn’t play flawlessly via usb direct from mini to Benchmark? Does it require another device in between mini and mac?

wizardofoz · April 13, 2019, 4:47pm

how long is the USB cable?

Have you tried a different cable?

What bitrate files are you playing.

can you post a screen shot of the audio path of the offending setup

dylan · April 14, 2019, 3:03am

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

As wizardofoz suggested, definitely give another USB cable a go and please share a screenshot of both your Signal Path when playing to this device and Device Setup for this device.

Thanks!

Alastair_Romanes · April 15, 2019, 6:48am

USB cable is 0.5m length - no change when replaced. Here’s the screen shots

dylan · April 15, 2019, 1:31pm

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

I think the next step here is to enable some diagnostics on your account so our technical staff can get some more insight into what’s going on here.

However, before I enable this feature, I’d like to ask for your help ensuring we gather the right information.

First, can you please reproduce the issue once more and note the time at which the error occurs. Then respond here with that time, and I’ll make sure we review the diagnostics related to that timestamp.

Alastair_Romanes · April 15, 2019, 5:49pm

I can’t reproduce the issue because both the mini and the Benchmark have disappeared from view even after a Roon Server reinstall. See the attached screenshot

dylan · April 16, 2019, 11:12am

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

Can you try temporarily disabling the firewall on your Core machine and see if the devices appear with the firewall disabled?

Alastair_Romanes · April 16, 2019, 11:44am

The firewall isn’t enabled.

dylan · April 16, 2019, 11:54am

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

Since reinstalling have you tried rebooting your Core machine that these devices are attached to?

Alastair_Romanes · April 16, 2019, 2:50pm

Something, perhaps the reboot, has solved the problem. Whatever, thanks for your help and patience which reassures me if I needed it that my lifetime Roon purchase was great value for money. Incidentally Wizardofoz thought my 2010 mini not up to running Roon. Although it seems to be working ok now, do you advise an upgrade?

dylan · April 16, 2019, 2:58pm

Hi @Alastair_Romanes,

Glad to hear that things are working for you now!

As mentioned before, your Core machine doesn’t quite meet our recommendations. With an underpowered CPU and no SSD, things may run for now, but there is definitely the possibility that you will experience performance issues. This is especially true for larger libraries and when using DSP Engine.

If Roon is running currently on your machine you can continue to use it, but if you’re experiencing dropouts, slowness, or other performance issues, an upgrade would likely be the solution.

Hope that helps!

Alastair_Romanes · April 16, 2019, 3:26pm

Thanks again

system · April 18, 2019, 3:26am

This topic was automatically closed 36 hours after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.