[TKonrad.NOLA]

Was all prepared to purchase a Roon Nucleus  to use with a Bluesound Node 2 endpoint.  The  salesman made me feel like it would be a waste of money to purchase a Nucleus if I was going to use it with the Node 2 and suggested I buy a nice DAC to use it with.   Is he right?

[srb]

The  salesman made me feel like it would be a waste of money to purchase a Nucleus if I was going to use it with the Node 2 and suggested I buy a nice nice to use it with.   Is he right?

I'm not sure, what's a "nice nice" ?

[TKonrad.NOLA]

Oops typo.   Nice DAC.

[zoom25]

If your endpoint is networked, the Nucleus makes zero difference in SQ. It offers convenience to those that don't want to learn about computer or want to get something of their own. I personally wouldn't get it. You could get a 27" 5k iMac that could run Roon and just about anything else for the same amount of money. Plus, you'd have a beautiful desktop to do other stuff on. Running Roon on OS X is super easy as well for beginners.

I also would rather put the money into the networked digital player and/or the DAC before spending on a Nucleus.

I'd only consider the Nucleus if I had the extra money laying around and the computer absolutely had to be in the room (acoustic noise from fan).

[orientalexpress]

I was introduce to ROON ROCK on a NUC which is the same as Nucleus a couple month .It's freaking awesome,I use Allo Bridge for my DAC for my system and I can listening to headphone thru my ipad pro from NAS library.

[jpm]

Roon Nucleaus and DACs do different things, so it depends on the answer to other questions about what you want to do now, what you want to be able to do in the future, what equipment you already have and how much money you want to spend in pursuit of these goals.

In the past, I've been guilty of assuming that saving money is a priority for everyone. If this is true for you, others have noted a couple of viable alternatives to Nucleus. 

Running Roon server on a computer you use for other purposes has pro's and cons, but it's how most people get started with Roon and evaluate it. For many it's all they need / want and there's no need to do anything differently. If you have already done this and decided that you'd like a dedicated Roon server, Roon's ROCK is a good next step.

Roon's ROCK is the exact same dedicated operating system that runs Nucleus. It differs from Nucleus in that you have to buy your own hardware, assemble the computer and install the OS. That might sound daunting, but as long as you are minimally handy, are comfortable installing memory, drive storage and following simple instructions to install the OS this gives you a Nucleus without the very nice case.

Nucleus was developed by Roon to help broaden appeal in the following scenarios:
- To provide dealers with a turnkey device to sell as part of an end to end solution for their customers
- For people who want as little to do with computers as possible
- For people who appreciate the aesthetics of a beautiful, silent device that can sit proudly on display

Lastly, there are people who decide to roll their own Roon server solution on custom hardware and / or with custom Linux, but that's rarely in order to save money and more likely because they have a specialist use case or want to push the boundaries of advanced Roon features.

[RandyH]

I too have been considering the possible benefits of running the Roon core on a dedicated device like the Nucleus.  Currently I am running it on a 2012 iMac with an i7 processor and 16gb of memory.  This iMac is connected to my network wirelessly...which I know is against Roon recommendations but it is my only option for this iMac.  So far (still in my trial period) everything seems to be working ok. Getting a dedicated Roon server would also give me the ability to install a SSD to store flac files.  I have considered the NUC, the Nucleus and more recently the Small Green Computer Sonic Transporter.  I like the Transporter as it is priced between the NUC and the Nucleus.  Any opinions on the Sonic Transporter?...either the i5 or i7 version?  BTW, I am currently streaming with a Lumin T1 with a wired connection to my network.  I also have a Synology NAS containing my music files.  Again, curious to here what folks have to say about the Sonic Transporter.  thanks...Or, will I just as well off to stick with what I have as long as it seems to be working?

[audio.bill]

From what I've read regarding the SGC Sonic Transporters (no first hand experience) the only reason to justify the more costly i7 version is if you're going to be doing high rate DSD conversions for a DAC that excels at DSD, particularly when running HQ Player at some of their most advanced processor intensive settings.

[zoom25]

For storage, the Roon guys have always told me that they much prefer local attached storage (either internal or external USB drive) over NAS. Roon works better and more efficiently with local storage. SSD is too expensive for storage. The Western Digital portable hard drives (up to 4TB) are barely audible (5400 RPM) in a typical silent room from a foot or two away. With the music playing, you will never ever hear them. I've been using multiple of them for years reliably. Few of them have plugged in 24/7 on the Bryston BDP-1 and iMac. SSD's also won't make any difference in sound quality if the audio endpoint is networked.

If ease of use is important, I'd guess that Roon on a Nucleus running ROCK is probably the best for ease of use. However, I haven't used it. Although, Roon on OS X has been flawless. For massive libraries (300,000+ tracks), Windows is preferred over Linux (ROCK) and OS X, at least for now. I personally prefer running Roon on a Mac over a NUC. I have more control over the machine and can use it for other things. OS X also doesn't add any hassles to the user experience in any way.

If the endpoint is networked, it shouldn't matter whether the Roon Core is connected to the network by ethernet or Wifi. I've tried it both ways in my setup and it doesn't matter provided you have good wifi and don't get any hiccups. Still, wired ethernet is the best for stability.

[sts9fan]

I can’t believe anyone would buy the nucleus or any other Roon appliance over an i7 NUC with ROCK.
I run four zones with a >6TB library and it works amazing. All for under $700 with the i7 and 16gb ram.

[JLM]

I can’t believe anyone would buy the nucleus or any other Roon appliance over an i7 NUC with ROCK.
I run four zones with a >6TB library and it works amazing. All for under $700 with the i7 and 16gb ram.

I can't understand a word of what you just wrote (old fart, non-techie here) but might like to.   

[Rusty Jefferson]

I can't understand a word of what you just wrote (old fart, non-techie here) but might like to.   

It's what jpm explained nicely in post #6. The diy approach for those comfortable with it. Roon will supply the same operating system used in Nucleus for the purpose.

Still, I'm not sure we're understanding or answering the OP's question. Apparently he wants to use Roon with his Node, but doesn't currently?  It's not clear to me. I need to know more about what he's doing currently, and what he wants to do in the end. If he's using Roon, the software has to run somewhere on the network.  Are you already using Roon? Please be more specific about why you're considering a Nucleus. For better SQ, or to begin using Roon?

[sts9fan]

I can't understand a word of what you just wrote (old fart, non-techie here) but might like to.   

It’s a mini computer that you buy in parts. It’s only three things to buy. The NUC, harddrive and RAM.
Everything clicks together very easy and then you load the operating system developed by Roon. Adding the software is the “trickiest” part but Roon provides step by step instructions.
Things to consider are the ROCK is Ethernet out only. You will need an hdmi monitor and keyboard to set up but after you can access via a website.

[sts9fan]

I am not price shopping here but these are the parts you need.
i7 NUC
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-NUC-mini-NUC7i7BNH-Core/dp/B01N0RL8Q4

M2 hard drive
https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-MX500-250GB-2280SS-Internal/dp/B077SL4FZG/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1534164104&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=120gb+m.2&psc=1

Memory
https://www.amazon.com/Timetec-PC4-17000-Unbuffered-Notebook-Computer/dp/B07D332D9Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1534164211&sr=1-3&keywords=NUC+8gb+ddr4

Open up the NUC and install the two other parts.  They only go one way so very easy.  Then follow Roon's instruction to install ROCK.  You will need a small flash drive with nothing on it or stuff you can delete.  You will also need to download a simple software to make the flash drive a bootable drive. 

https://kb.roonlabs.com/ROCK_Install_Guide

I would be happy to walk anyone through this.  Its not that hard and the instructions are step by step. 

[lokie]

Sure would be cool if you could go direct via ethernet output to the renderer (in my case a Rendu) end point and then another Ethernet connector to the storage/NAS.
This is what has me w paralysis over choosing a ROON Core Compooder. I'm hoping a plug and play solution will trickle down to these cheaper boxes.

[jpm]

Sure would be cool if you could go direct via ethernet output to the renderer (in my case a Rendu) end point and then another Ethernet connector to the storage/NAS.

Hope I'm not misunderstanding ... technically this could be possible, but it requires more than a basic understanding of how to configure hardware and software. If the hope is that this would be an easier option, definitely not!

[sts9fan]

Sure would be cool if you could go direct via ethernet output to the renderer (in my case a Rendu) end point and then another Ethernet connector to the storage/NAS.
This is what has me w paralysis over choosing a ROON Core Compooder. I'm hoping a plug and play solution will trickle down to these cheaper boxes.

Dual NIC mini computers are around.  You can also add a cheap ethernet switch. 

https://www.cdw.com/product/Siemon-network-splitter-white/414742?cm_cat=GoogleBase&cm_ite=414742&cm_pla=NA-NA-SIN_CN&cm_ven=acquirgy&ef_id=WqkiTAAACmR0pZJ_:20180813135926:s&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrPA_5fq3AIVRJyzCh1hcgFTEAQYBCABEgKcRPD_BwE&s_kwcid=AL!4223!3!198553132056!!!g!300960078122!

[zoom25]

You can do bridged setups with dual NIC ports and/or using USB to ethernet adapters. I've done it that way before. It's much simpler with just a switch.

[lokie]

Dual NIC mini computers are around.  You can also add a cheap ethernet switch. 

https://www.cdw.com/product/Siemon-network-splitter-white/414742?cm_cat=GoogleBase&cm_ite=414742&cm_pla=NA-NA-SIN_CN&cm_ven=acquirgy&ef_id=WqkiTAAACmR0pZJ_:20180813135926:s&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrPA_5fq3AIVRJyzCh1hcgFTEAQYBCABEgKcRPD_BwE&s_kwcid=AL!4223!3!198553132056!!!g!300960078122!

Well.... Unfortunately, I think its more complicated than that:
Computer Audiophile Thread Ethernet Bridging

[zoom25]

Well.... Unfortunately, I think its more complicated than that:
Computer Audiophile Thread Ethernet Bridging

That's exactly what I've done in the past on OS X based on that thread. No switches involved. Only direct connections with the computer and the networked endpoint (BDP-1). It's much simpler and convenient to simply have a switch in place with your audio related devices plugged in.