Hi, I'm currently running Roon (or ROCK I think) with my PC as an endpoint. My DAC is connected to the PC.
I have a convolution (.wav) file loaded on the PC end.
The DAC is connected to a Parasound P5 Pre-Amp which I have because of HT-Bypass (incl. subwoofer).
My entire chain: Roon Server–PC–DAC–Pre-Amp–Marantz Receiver–Parasound poweramp.
Unfortunately I’m experiencing some sound issues (distortion/weird whine) which are probably caused by my PC PSU or GPU whine.
I don’t think it’s caused by a ground loop. But fortunately I’m currently remodeling and my entire circuit is being replaced and my Parasound is being serviced during this downtime. So when I return home it may be solved.
But just in case it isn’t, I need to cut out my PC out of the chain. I’m pretty sure that’s the culprit.
So: - if I still want to use my current DAC (which I love) - And I still want to use the convolution file I created in REW ( I don’t want to use EQ on a streamer. I love the result the convolution file gives me. It also has some phase corrections) - I want to use HQ Player (free version) → DSD256 upscale
My current thought is using my PC as a server (it’s a pretty beefy machine) to handle DSP/convolution/HQ Player and build a Ropieee machine as an endpoint.
Would this solve my problem? The weird thing is, my PC–HDMI–Receiver gives me no problems. As soon as I go anything analog or balanced in the chain, the problems start. Sorry for the long explanation, but I just can’t find a definitive answer.
I had this same problem when away from home using Roon server and client on my Dell XPS 15 laptop with USB to Chord Mojo 2 DAC. I resolved it by adding a RPi4 that connects to the Dell by WIFI with USB from the RPi4 to the Mojo 2.
Note: you will get pushback from some saying this can’t happen or else your DAC is defective. I can tell you that this can and does happen. The RPi4 seems like a good solution to me.
I’ve read this a couple of times and still not sure I understand the setup.
What are you using for the Roon Server, Nuc/Rock or PC. If PC running Windows its Roon Server but not Rock. Rock includes the Roon OS.
Are you aware that you can setup numerous zones as entry points from Roon to your system?
For instance my setup includes,
NUC/ROCK to Denon AVR via HDMI as a zone.
The AVR is pre-out to a 7 channel amp.
NUC/ROCK to Roon Ready OPPO 205 via USB/HDMI/Ethernet - AVR as a zone.
NUC/ROCK to Roon Ready MC DAC via Ethernet to AVR as a zone.
So basically 3 different DACs for playback with all going through the AVR to MC amp. Select the desired zone in Roon and the playback gets routed through the system accordingly.
Roon doesn’t play DSD over HDMI, it gets converted to PCM. Often use the HDMI to AVR for PCM MC or Stereo. For DSD MC/Stereo files I use the MC DAC via Ethernet.
Mike, I think it’s unclear what he is running Roon ROCK on, but evidently he is using a PC as a remote and endpoint connected by USB to his DAC. Some PC’s are noisy that way and WIFI can solve that by inserting a RPi4. And yes, he could also use the PC as a Roon server. Or, he could probably go NUC to DAC to solve the noise issue and use PC strictly as control.