Core Machine (Operating system/System info/Roon build number)
Asus
Windows 10 Home x64 (Version 20H2 ) ( Build 19042.630) Proc: i7-3517U Ram: 4.00 GB
Roon Version 1.7 (build 667)
Audio files (1600 tracks on local ssd drive.) Network Details (Including networking gear model/manufacturer and if on WiFi/Ethernet)
Connection via ethernet
T3200M Gateway
Audio Devices (Specify what device you’re using and its connection type - USB/HDMI/etc.)
I-Mac/Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Dac
Connection via ethernet Description Of Issue
I chose to install Roon on the listed windows 10 computer using it as the core as it has a SSD drive which is supposed to work best but I am not sure which download or downloads I need for the Mac to use as the audio output. (Roon Bridge?)
Secondly I am now thinking maybe I should just use the Mac as the core and output via Dragonfly Cobalt which would require moving small library (1600 tracks) to local HDD of Mac.
Macs Specs: Mid 2011 build, 2.5 GHz i5, 8 GB ram, AMD Radeon HD 6750M 512 MB, OS version 10.13.6.
Suggestions on what would provide the best user experience would be appreciated.
If you plan the Core on Windows and the iMac as the Control and listening device you are best with a full Roon install on the iMac so that you can browse , adjust etc from the iMac .
Installing the Bridge does just that it bridges the network stream to the DAC with no visual and no browsing ability, its meant really for “hidden boxes” that need no action
If you want to trim you could install just the Server version on the Core but that would mean no visuals on the Core PC , its not worth the effort really.
Bottom line use the full install on the iMac and select the Windows PC as the core, its all set out as you start up for the first time
Depending on your how your library grows (1600 files is very small) you may wish to up the RAM 4G is a bit low if you have a sizeable library. The SSD is essential , if you have a System HDD , Roon will struggle. Used as a Control device this is not important as the Core does all the heavy lifting.