Is there any disadvantage to me using my Dell XPS-15 laptop as my server?
Depends on how you use Roon. The server must run when using Roon. If you use the control app on the Dell as well, this may not matter. If you use other remotes and the Dell is only the server, it may not be ideal, but it depends.
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Besides the fact that it has to be turned on for you to listen to music, none at all.
Many users start with a laptop and then migrate to a NUC or Mac Mini over time, and some are happy to stay running on a laptop
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Same here. Started out with a tired Sony laptop and then went from a NUC i7 to a Synology NAS server running Roon. For me it is the optimum solution as I have to run the server anyway and with my no frills use of Roon it performs very well.
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Same here also. For my first true server, I started out with a Dell Latitude laptop as a server for several years as I learned more about Roon. I moved my library over from a NAS to a external USB drive on the laptop. I organized, expanded and built my library, experimented with DSP settings, expanding to different remote locations. Then I migrated over to a NUC for a server. It was easier to integrate into a rack.
Currently I am setting up a new audio rack and I have HQ Player in the back of my mind. Will see where that takes me next. Will need more than the current NUC that I am currently using.
But yes, a laptop setup as a Server is a good place to start and finish if it meets all of your needs.
–MD
I started out with a 2017 MacBook Air when I trialled Roon. After awhile I replaced the Air with a 2014 Mac Mini. After that a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro and a Lenovo laptop.
So about 4 years after starting with Roon I went all the way. And bought a small NUC to run ROCK. So my Roon Server is now running on a dedicated little computer. On hindsight, I should have done that earlier. But since I already owned the other hardware it was no loss money wise 
The little NUC which literally fits in the palm of your hand sits out of sight behind the TV. The only cables that are attached to it are its power cable, an Ethernet cable and the 3 tb USB powered hard drive which holds my local music collection.
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Thank you. That is what I thought/hoped. My system works well as it is, but I wanted to ensure that Roon ARC would not struggle for find a server if I just stuck with my Dell rather than my NUC.
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Thank you. I moved from a NUC ROCK set-up to this and can’t really complain about the quality of performance.
As long as the laptop is running and doesn’t go to sleep, this will be fine.
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Oh yes! I forgot that the laptop might go to sleep. Still, I sold my Intel NUC, so I’d need to reinvest in one.
Also, I assume that the laptop would have to be connected to my home network in order to work? Otherwise, I could simply use it as a mobile server?
To some network, at least.
This would work, too. Roon Server would run on the laptop and if you can carry it around, you can listen on the laptop as long as it has internet access.
Before you do, have a look at this solution:
Lots of folks are having great success with it. Lower cost and a lot easier to build. Available in several colors for under $140 (with 5% coupon in the US) and darn cute!
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I actually started out with a Beelink miniPC and it worked fine. Graduated to a Mac Mini though. The Beelink I had was very cheap and it worked fine. The Mac has much better graphics. What I am saying is if that cheap miniPC could run it I am sure you would be fine. Just needs to be dedicated and always on.
Hahaha. No argument, but I’m not sure how graphics are helpful for Roon Server.
Hello Desmond, I am a bit shocked that nobody asked about your Audio system that your room server is going providing to and how many albums you are going to store on your server. These are two characteristics which would influence an answer if it’s good enough for you should get something better.
Hi Jo, the chain of my audio system consists of: Dell XPS-15 (7590); Genelec 9320A; Genelec 8361A’s; Genelec 7360A’s; RDL HR-DSX4 digital audio selector; Marantz CD7; Denon TU-1800DAB; LG 32" TV; Violectric PPA V790, Technics SP10 MkII and various tonearms and cartridges.
Apart from my Qobuz library, I have about burned 1000 cd’s and bought albums. I am also thinking of purchasing a large SSD and more RAM for he Dell. Any advice will be warmly welcomed.
IF I got it right:
Between the DELL and DAC (Genelec 9320A) you use a USB cable.
And then you use analogue connections to your active Speaker/Subwoofer.
Your library is not that big that the Dell laptop wouldn’t be enough, but I would suggest a USB filter and/or Reclocker to clean up the signal before it gets to your DAC. Laptops are notorious for being noisy on the USB out, which can interfere with the analogue circuitry in your DAC, thus tampering with Soundquality.
No, I do use a USB cable between the Dell and 9320A controller. However, I use AES/EBU cables between the 9320 and the Genelec monitors and subs. The same goes for the link to the RDL selector which reclocks in an all digital set-up. That optimises the performance of the Genelecs.
I’m interested in your suggestions around using a filter between the Dell and controller though. What would you suggest here?
Avoid, you’re at risk of introducing a problem when currently you don’t have one.
I expect the engineering department at Genelec — who we have to assume aren’t exactly lacking in technical / engineering / audio skills — have already thought careful about USB connections to Macs and PCs given that is how the majority of their customers are interfacing with the 9320A. If anything else was needed to improve their product, do you not think they would have added it already. Especially given that most components cost cents and their client base is largely studios and audio professionals where reputation and verifiable claims to SQ matters.
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I agree with Jamie, as you do not have the usual consumer hifi set up with Source to DAC to preamp to power amp to passive speakers.
As the RDL also re-clocks the signal before going to the speakers, it’s very doubtful that an another reclocker/filter would make a noticeable change in your studio setup.