Need Help Selecting New Roon Core

Roon Software Discussion
1

I am currently using a 2012 Mac Mini as my Roon Core (running ITunes for library). I would like to be able to use Roon 2.0 and need to upgrade my Roon Core. I am considering either a Mac Mini (M2), Intel NUC (11-13) or Windows PC (with Windows 11). I have around 5,000 songs in my library. I would like for the Core Computer to also run REW software for my MiniDSP Flex 8. I am using the MiniDSP Flex 8 as an active crossover on my diy open baffle speakers. In doing research it appears that Roon software is designed to run an Intel Core (understand you can use Windows or Apple OS to run Roon). So I am wondering if it is best to use an Intel based Roon Core.

I would appreciate in thoughts or recommendation regarding my new Roon Core for my audio system. Thanks for considering to help.

3

The server can run on Windows or Linux or macOS on Intel, or on macOS on ARM / Apple Silicon

4

If you want to make your life alot easier, get a NUC. After I replaced my Mac Mini M1 (running only Roon) with a 2nd hand cheap NUC, every issue I had with roon prior to the NUC went away. I can’t emphasise enough how flawless my NUC experience has been.

5

I’m in that phase. Was going the Mac mini route but then I found a NIC. Will be testing it in a few weeks. My used NUC was unable to setup easily so I decided have a friend look at it.

6

A Late 2012 Mac mini can run MacOS Catalina and Roon 2.0. (That’s what my roon core is running on.)

A new mac will perform wonderfully, but your Late 2012 mini should work just fine.

7

Thanks for info on the 2012 Mac Mini.

8

Thanks for input regarding NUC.

9

Are using Windows or Roon software to power your Core?

10

Are using WIndows or Roon software to power your Core?

11

I can say that an Ubuntu server running Roon Server is rock solid.

I run mine headless (no desktop GUI in server) but I use Cockpit which allows me to log in to the server from a web browser and monitor / update … and even tinker.
Add ons to Cockpit include a full file management interface to view and edit filed and folders - just as if you had a desktop operating system.
Of course I can also check all the server diagnostics.
I have been running it for a few years and so far excellent. If I have had any drop outs, I cant remember them. Never seems to have an issue.

12

The most important thing when considering a machine for Roon is what are you comfortable with?

Are you comfortable with Mac OS? Use it.
Windows? Use it.
Linux? Use it.
All of them or comfortable tinkering with hardware and reading log files over the network?.. Go ROCK.

Then… set your budget buy big :slight_smile:
Memory is your friend. Fast disk is your friend. Depending on if you want to do lots of DSP, lots of CPU is your friend.

13

Thank you for you input. Very helpful.

14

For my NUC it will be Rock. It’s getting installed this week. But I’ve used just Mac.