Have you tried just using just Roon server for the core and not full blown Roon. Might make a difference as it’s not using Roons heavy GPU stuff which might make a difference as it’s doing less. Just use remote on phone or tablet to control it. Worth a punt and may save you a few pennies.
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Hi, may I inquire why did you replace the ST i9 with the MAC Mini? I have always been curious about using a MAC Mini for Roon server. A drawback of the MM would be that it has a fan and the ST is passively cooled, so no noise.
I know it is not for me but:
Used m1 mini all the last year, sometimes 4 end points at the time with heavy DSP on one of them running 24/7, never heard the fan (with just 44.1 on one endpoint cpu does not jump over 7%). Never felt a blow. If I open HQP on it, another story. I feel it is warm or I can crack up the settings in HQP and feel the hot air blowing. But if it is just roon running no noise
Agree. The MacStudio (a but better cooling than the mini) is, well was silent… I can’t hear the fan from the listening sweet spot but when I’m closer to the computer, more so recently, I can hear the fan a little. It’s not air noise, it’s the fan. I believe Apple uses a blower style fan. They suck noise wise. They are always louder than a standard fan. It’s gotten a wee bit louder than when it was new. (A few months ago) I guess I expect too much for 2k. 
It’s like those $300 dishwashers that are silent when you get them and then the pump gets noisier as it ages, except it’s more expensive than that. 
At any rate, roon doesn’t tax the processor enough to make you have to put them in another room.
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I replaced the sT i9 with the M1 Mac mini because I was tired of relying on SGC for support and HQPlayer software updates. Plus, I actually came out ahead financially even selling the sT i9 used.
The M1 Mac mini has been quiet as I have never heard the fan. I have it running the Roon server (no UI) and HQPlayer Desktop and it does everything the sT i9 did but has been MUCH easier to manage and I am in control of updates which I much prefer. Going from HQPlayer Embedded on the sT i9 to HQPlayer Desktop on the M1 Mac mini was easier than I thought it would be with no loss of functionality and easier management.
The M1 Mac mini option is MUCH cheaper and I would never recommend the sT i9 over the M1 Mac mini for people running Roon and HQPlayer. There is just no benefit.
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Thanks for your insight! Still, I am not sure about the case for a Mac Mini, but I enjoy toying with the idea! But the ST is pretty much transparent, in terms of management. Don´t get me wrong, I am not a ST i9 blurb, but have seriously considered the Mac Mini, which I think it is a very good proposition. The ST i9 is definitely expensive as opposed to a Mac Mini proposition.
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Yeh it’s not a good ideal to electrically connect your USB DAC to your i9 running HQPlayer and Roon.
If you need to have the PC in the listening room, even RME endorse the Intona USB isolator
Have you tried it?
If you can move PC out of listening room, then NAA networked endpoint is ideal.
I don’t think you need to get a Mac Mini now.
It’s possible your i9 can do some things Mac Mini can’t.
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