Running Mac mini with with Roon core Ethernet only am I getting the best quality to my home audio system? I have an Audio Control Maestro X7 and a NAB C700 both are Roon ready should I be running a cable from the Mac to those components to get the best quality or am I good?
Thanks for the help
Test both. I run my library on hdd into a dedicated Mac mini, then from the mini to my Gungnir DAC, then out to my integrated amp. I can also run from the mini direct to the DAC on the amp. But a side-by-side comparison tells my ears which is best. Might just work for you, too.
MIKE
The general consensus ** for Roon Ready endpoints would be to use the LAN connection but of cause if curiosity is calling then wire each on up via USB to compare and contrast.
** There are strong opinions from those that prefer USB over eithernet but I’d suggest they are in the minority.
Post a screenshot of the Roon signal path when playing to each device… so we can give it a sanity check.
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You mean the Ethernet connection? I’d agree. But USB versus WiFi might take some consideration.
Hi @Bill_Janssen,
A good point, for the best experience …
The device running the Roon Core should be hardwired.
For Endpoints… my preference for stability not SQ would be to hardware with cat cable back to a switch that is in turn wired to the router.
I run Roon Server on a Mac Min and both the Mac Mini and my Cambridge CXN V2 are hardwired to my router. Just make sure to use unshielded network cable like CAT 6 UTP to avoid grounding and noise issues.
Hi again @Jeffrey_Sanders,
All those signal path examples look absolutely fine and what I’d expect given your setup / equipment.