RoonServer (on NAS) to DAC via Ethernet

Roon Software Discussion
1

I have installed RoonServer on my NAS (located in another room than my stereo system) and I would like to link the NAS with a DAC via Ethernet.

Does anyone have this configuration? What about the quality of the Ethernet connection (compared to USB) for audio streaming?

Any advice for a good DAC with Ethernet input with a good value for money?

Thank you
Thierry

2

How would you like to define “value for money” and any idea on preferred budget range?

Lots of options from $50 upwards…

3

Or you could use a USB DAC and an ethernet to USB bridge.

4

Well… between $50 and $500?
Unless someone tells me that, for a higher amount, some DACs really worth it (with a true audiophile benefit - I mean, one that my human ears can detect). :wink:

5

If I was doing this on that budget, I’d get a Raspberry Pi as an ethernet to USB bridge and a used Meridian Director/Direct DAC. You could do far worse (I think the Direct DAC is an audiophile bargain) and I think that will come in significantly under $500.

6

Thank you. This is completely new for me… but I’ll take a closer look at it.

7

Bluesound Node 2 with buildin DAC.
Digital output for upgrade in the future.
In +/- Dec 2016 RoonReady!! (firmware update)

8

USB over Ethernet via PS Audio LanRover? http://www.psaudio.com/products/lanrover-usb-transporter/

9

Sonore microRendu (ethernet in, USB out) to USB DAC (Schiit Gungnir Multibit). This is one of my endpoint setups. Very happy with the results.

MicroRendu is $640 plus power supply, ands the DAC is ??? whatever you $$$ choose…

10

Well… between $50 and $500?

11

Try a used Squeezebox Touch with EDO installed.

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12

Meridian MS 200 is £349 at the moment I believe. That’s what I use.

13

Sonicorbiter SE + Dragonfly Red DAC

Great sound, easy to use, RoonReady now, Under $500.

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/music-players/products/sonicorbiter-se

1 Like
14

I use a Raspberry Pi and audiolab mdac. The Pi is cheap and works flawlessly running roon bridge via WiFi or ethernet.

In your budget I would look at a Meridian Explorer 2 or possibly Audio questions Dragonfly.

15

Another Raspberry Pi here, but mine’s a HiFiBerry Digi+. I had it set up to use the Squeezebox/Logitech server support in Roon for awhile, but I’ve since switched it to use RAAT instead. No complaints - the Pi has been trouble-free for me, and sonically I can’t tell the difference between it and my old Squeezebox. I’m running Max2Play on the Pi.