Hi @Carlos_Pinto . Welcome to Roon!
You’ve already received some helpful answers here, so I’ll just add my 2¢ to your questions.
+1 on dBpoweramp. I highly recommend this guide for optimizing the settings:
https://www.dbpoweramp.com/cd-ripper-setup-guide.htm
FLAC is almost universally accepted as the best format for creating a digital archive of your CDs. I encourage you to not use any upsampling or other DSP in the ripping process. The default FLAC compression settings (level 5) are fine. One possible exception is to add HDCD decoding. This will produce 24-bit files for discs with HDCD content, although the dynamic range will be less than that. My understanding is that the decoding is not 100%, but it may be worthwhile since DACs that support HDCD decoding are super uncommon these days. For example:
That should have plenty of power. A ROCK build could save you a bit of money if you’re feeling adventurous and don’t require Crestron integration.
Wow. Those loudspeakers must sound amazing. You’ll definitely need a DAC. What other sources do you have connected to your old Denon? Performance for DACs (especially) and amplifiers has increased rather dramatically over the last decade, so you should be able to purchase something for under $1k that will improve substantially over what you have today.
If Roon is your only source, I have a couple of suggestions based on personal experience. The ultimate solution would be the Orchard Audio PecanPi Streamer ($550) a pair of Orchard Audio Starkrimson® Monoblock amplifiers ($1,600). This system will deliver astonishing realism. No streamer required…just connect an Ethernet cable to the PecanPi Streamer. You’ll use Roon’s DSP volume to manage playback levels since there’s no remote control. Limited functionality, but incredible sound.
Another option is the Topping E50 DAC ($269) plus Topping PA5 amplifier ($349). You will need to add a streamer. I’d suggest the ZEN Stream from iFi Audio ($399) or SOtM sMS-200 Neo Network Player ($450). You could also just connect the DAC directly to Core if you don’t want to use a streamer. Not my favorite configuration, but it may work. The PA5 is technically a desktop amplifier, but it should have enough power for your application. You’ll use the remote control on the E50 DAC for volume control.
Budget is fine. If you go with my “all out assault” solution, you’re looking at:
- Roon Nucleus: $1,459
- Orchard Audio PecanPi Streamer: $550
- Orchard Audio Starkrimson® Mono (pair): $1,600
Total: $3,699 - pretty close.