Obviously with the Oladra being at the pinnacle of server-streamer transports in terms of sound quality, I was curious to see how much it would cost to emulate similar performance to a $47.5k dedicated server-streamer with AES and I2s digital outputs.

 

Here is my first attempt with component costs, specifications and links:

 

Roon Optimised Core Kit – Free download linux based and headerless

https://help.roonlabs.com/portal/en/kb/articles/roon-optimized-core-kit#So_what_is_Roon_Optimized_Core_Kit_ROCK_then

Asus nuc 14 pro with Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor 165H part no. RNUC14RVHU700004I - $949
2 x Crucial 16GB (1x16GB) CT16G56C46S5 5600MHz SODIMM DD5 ram - $130
Silicon Power Ace A55 512GB TLC 3D NAND 2.5in SATA III for Roon OS - $37.50
Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD 4800 MB/s sequential read for Roon storage - $329

 

Penon audio pure silver usb cables x 2 - $32.90 USD each
https://penonaudio.com/usb-2.0-a-b-dac-pure-silver-cable.html

 

Intona USB 2.0 Hi-Speed galvanic isolation - $489
https://intona.eu/en/products/7054

 

Denafrips Gaia DDC - $3149
https://dacmanaudio.com.au/product/denafrips-gaia-ddc/

Possible future upgrades when funds become available include:

 

Asus nuc 15 pro
Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 285H
2x32GB DDR5-6400
8TB m.2 2280 PCI Gen 5 NVMe SSD

sbooster BOTW P&P ECO 18-19V MKII linear power supply

 

Even though everyone uses Roon servers across Ethernet, but for me I wanted to use the server-stream without expensive audiophile Ethernet switches and cabling. My build is based on server-streamer USB 2.0 output to DDC with AES or I2s outputs to my DAC.

I’m quite pleased with the result and really happy with the sound sample conversion to DSD64 and 7th order (CLANS) sigma delta modulator. Even though Gaia can do DSD64 to DSD512, my older DAC is limited to DSD64.

 

There are no dropouts, and everything runs smoothly and quickly with Roon.

 

It’s definitely an improvement over the Windows 10 PC that I was using with the same Gaia DDC running 32-bit /384kHz upsampling. The main benefit is that Roon ROCK can interface to Gaia much better then MS Windows software. Via Roon I can pretty much light up any clock speed led on the Gaia that I want whereas Windows is limited to 384kHz.

 

Note,  you can cut costs by using a cheaper DDC or no DDC at all but there are numerous benefits to using the Gaia as explained here https://www.denafrips.com/gaia.

Of course, I can’t verify how close in performance I have achieved compared to Oladra or even K50 but I did have fun in the process.

Have you tried to build your own DIY high end server-streamer? What’s secret sauces and spices did you use?

 

Hey @Soundwise,

 

I joined Stereonet today after seeing this post, I've built a ROCK on an ASUS NUC 13 pro i7 1360P last year with a 500GB M.2 Samsung 980 OS drive, 64GB (2x 32 dual channel) 3200Mhz SO-DIMM G.Skill Rip-Jaws & 4TB Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD, but these units esp. the i7's are getting harder to find as well as QVL dual channel SO-DIMM memory up to 64GB for this older gen 13 hardware. The 14 wasn't & still isn't on the supported hardware list for the ROCK software, so I avoided it as I wanted supported hardware to start with.

 

Did you have any issues with the installation I have seen others on the Roon community blog saying they have had issue? happy to hear you have ROCK running on the NUC 14.

 

I've read posts on the Roon Community site where people have had issues with ASUS NUC Pro 14 & 15's & have turned to DietPi as the OS but I'd rather run dedicated ROCK OS on hardware that works rather than using other cutdown or full LINUX OS versions & then install Roon on it. I started with a windows laptop but had too many issues with WASPI & ASIO playing higher res DSD & PCM files in the same playlist to my Hugo2 so I decided to go NUC + ROCK.

 

If you just followed the same steps as the is on the ROCK site like I did with my 13 then that will make it a breeze for me. 

 

BTW, I use an iFi LAN silencer I got from Minidisc into the back of my NUC this makes an audible difference to the sound quality.  I also use Audioquest HDMI noise stoppers & I have the NUC sitting on Les Davis 3D 2 constrained layer damping for audio pads as well.   https://www.minidisc.com.au/ifi-audio-lan-isilencer-ethernet-network-noise-filter something to look into if you want minimal outlay. I also use an Audioquest Vodka ethernet cable to the NUC it from my AIMesh router node (also Asus). I am considering this instead https://www.silentpower.tech/products/lan-ipurifier-pro as there are a few places in Oz that sell them to how much of an improvement there is.

 

During a shootout I've done with my NUC in a treated room, I connected my NUC to a Ferrum Hypsos LPS & dialed it to 20v as per the OEM power supply, OMG the improvement in sound quality was simply amazing! I'm getting one in a few months (tax refund lol).

 

Looking forward to hearing your experience with your ROCK install thanks.

 

Cheers

V/-

Edited July 27, 2025Jul 27 by Sir.V.007

Hi V

 

The Asus nuc I used was the RNUC14RVHU700004I and have no issues, it never freezes and just keeps running 24/7.

Installation is very straight forward and I did make one change to the bios but can't recall the exact setting.

If you have issues, I'm happy to help.

I did recall having a hardware incompatibility issue with Teamgroup m.2 nvme but changing to Crucial m.2 nvme fixed that.

 

Since Jan 2025, I've made the following improvements:

 

Added Farad Super 3 LPS with Nordost Blue Heaven power cord.

I'm also using original Les Davis discs under both Nuc and LPS.

Purchased Roon lifetime subscription after much deliberation.

 

I purchased the Super 3 after confirming with Mattijs that my cpu has TDP 28w.

The improvement from the LPS is significant but the cost with power cord ($1500) is more then the Nuc.

Interestingly the LPS improved the sound not only for my main system but also 3 other hi fi systems using the same ROCK across my home network.

I also discovered that my CD rips sound better then my very expensive dedicated CD transport.

In the past I always thought my cd rips were inferior due to dvd readers and dbpower amp digital audio extraction errors.

But now I know it's streamer/player that makes a difference during playback.

Thanks for the info SW, I may build a NUC 14 just to see if it can be done as they are easier to source currently. Thx for the assist offer, I'll keep it in mind. 

 

You should possibly consider some form of LAN isolation for the ethernet connection as a next step to improve SQ. There are a number of options but I can only speak to the option I currently have not what I'll add in the near future, besides I'm still researching & the $AUD149 iFi LAN silencer is great bang for your buck that is audible.

LPS's are a good improvement in any setup include network switches & routers. That's a future upgrade as well. I have a Silent Angel Forrester F1 LPS (5v 2A) usb & DC outputs (handy) with an EGM amethyst power cord made here in Australia. Either way with upgraded power cables LPS & LAN silencing it's great sound & still much cheaper with a NUC than higher end roon cores with the same storage sizes like the Grimm MU2 or the an 8tb silent angel Z1 Plus here in AU. Never heard either, but a guy I know has a Grimm, he loves it. Darko has a review on it also if you follow him. 

 

I hear you on the cost where the LPS is more then all the nuc components combined. Look up the Ferrum Hypsos where you are. There is a dual out model only slightly more exp but both outputs must be the save voltage. 

 

Are your CD's ripped to FLAC, ALAC or WAV? The testing I've done you can hear the difference where WAV sounds ever so slightly better than flac or alac. You may be aware that if you compare file sizes of the same track, flac & alac are a little smaller than a WAV rip. There isn't much in it SQ wise but you should pick the difference. I can't detect any between flac & alac on the equipment I used at the time. I masochist use FLAC to save on space, only my fav are WAV unless there is a higher Res & generally I get those in flac only some are WAV. Storage will become an issue at some point. I have some tracks than are over 3gb each in higher Resolutions! Stereo not multichannel! 

Hi Guys, I have been mucking around with DIY servers for quite a few years now and there are others on here that have taken it much further. I think the most serious effort I know of in Australia has been done by Accmagi7 and I also have a less extreme version designed   and built by him.  I have heard Oladra on many occasions and there are also others that are in a similar league. Its a bit tough to keep up at a DIY level with some of the custom design possibilities those manufacturers use but you can get close if you are willing to spend a lot of time and a still not insignificant amount of money and have the tech skills.  The benefit of DIY is you can use parts that commercially are not feasible due to cost aesthetics etc. 

 

Things that I have learnt along the way. (dont take my word for it, verify it for yourself)

1. you cant have a too good power supply,  invest in a good supply whether commercial or DIY and it will be useful for your entire DIY server experience.
2. Separate power for separate function even better
3. Nucs are super convenient but an ATX will do better and dedicated cards JCAT, Pink Faun etc better again
4. Seperate server and endpoint 
5. OS matters , Linux is most DIYable,  Check out Snakeoil OS Some good Windows options for short cutting optimising Windows if that is not your thing.
6. Software matters, Although I have a Roon lifetime, Roon is not the best sounding. I use Roon and HQplayer endpoint and that is an improvement,  but I know if I dump Roon altogether it would be better. I will be moving to running just HQ  Player for serious listnening.  I only use HQplayer as I also run convolution filters but if you dont, other free players sound better than Roon.
7. Ethernet, It matters
8. With a well put together network,  streaming from Qobuz can surpass local file playing
9. Use your ears to guide you, Some will try to denigrate your experience, you wont change their minds so dont waste energy trying to.

Am sure others will have alternative perspectives

 

Lots of great info here ,

even though its older its still relevant but very long.  Also great resources on other sites such as audiophylestyle etc

 

I have learnt  a lot through building DIY servers/endpoints. and met some fantastic smart people.

 

have fun and enjoy  and let us know how you are going and what you have discovered,

Edited July 21, 2025Jul 21 by frednork

Thanks @frednork, 

 

I can see the limitations I have using a NUC compared to a purpose-built machine of a different form factor, thanks for the info in the post you shared, I'll digest it later when I have some free time. I have been down a few rabbit holes with my hobbyist journey in the last 4 or 5 years, I'm not sure I am ready for a pure end-to-end DIY project just yet.  I would separate endpoints from server for sure as I do now, there are benefits to separates and dedicated devices. Same with enterprise architecture and deployment of business IT systems and infra.

 

I have played with a trial version of HQPlayer on windows when that was my Roon Server then I looked at the Chord M Scaler as maybe a better upscale option if I went down that route. I read a shootout between the two where that author leaned to the M Scaler while having favourable experiences with HQPlayer. I like the convenience of Roon put simply and I have found too many bugs in Audirvāna with importing playlists & reading bit depth of files for me to use it as a primary music player just yet.

 

I am not sure with the Qobuz observation sorry, that music would sound better streaming than a locally sourced file due to a number of factors outside the control of the property or local endpoint & network within the property. I have heard differently personally but accept that many factors will impact both experiences depending on the setup. So, I would be interested to know how and what makes a streaming service sound better than something local. Myself, and the gentlemen I was doing the recent shootout with agreed locally sourced sounded better than Qobuz which sounded better than Tidal - with the equipment we tested on. Again , I agree there are possible factors that could swing it the other way and that would save me a lot of money in the long run from purchasing a lot of hi-res or lossless music files rather than just streaming those I like.  I am still considering using another NUC with Linux for HQPlayer, have other things on my shopping list first. 🙂 

 

I have also thought about switching to a silent metal case like https://www.amazon.com.au/Akasa-Aluminium-Audiophile-Environments-ITX48-M2B/dp/B0BKPND41X/355-4502715-4850658 for my NUC to remove the fan & make it silent & further reduce potential noise/interference in SQ and to make it look better (who doesn't like bling) with proficient cooling, but I would only do that if I purchased just the NUC board option. That's so I didn't have to pull apart a manufactured unit. It's the form factor that adds to the appeal of a NUC as well as the convenance of Roon. For me I'd need to do lot of research to find compatible components for their dedicated & fit for purpose as a music server with the best sound quality in a ATX form factor or similar. I'm not there yet, and I'm just looking at options of build NUCs for friends who don't want to spend a lot more on expensive Roon core capable devices. I'll keep you posted and look for you on those types of forums. 

 

Thanks for your insights.

Cheers

V/-

actually @frednork reading the first page I think I'll try a non-dual channel DDR4 SO-DIMM memory chipset of single 32GB sticks and see if I can hear the difference sonically.

 

Thx

V/-

I always rip to uncompressed WAV files using dbpoweramp as storage has never been an issue for me.

 

The standard nuc does have a fan but it's not really noticeable as the fan speed is temperature controlled and most of the time the nuc cpu is idle.

 

Only time I've heard the fan is on startup.

 

I have also compared HPplayer and ropiee endpoints and HQplayer does sound better but in the end I still ended up using Roon ROCK local usb playback for long term daily use.

 

From my own experience with Roon ROCK, the biggest improvements are from the Farad Super 3 LPS and the Denafrips Gaia DDC. 

No worries V ! I understand your skepticism and would have agreed with you in the past.  Totally agree with your observations regarding Tidal/Qobuz. The answer to your question of how can that be achieved is an expensive and likely not best bang for buck one in my experience.  Essentially, to improve streaming, the better your network is (for audio purposes) the more likely it will be that your streaming will surpass file playback as long as the rest of the system is at a reasonable level.  If you are noticing differences between Qobuz and Tidal than the system is resolving enough. This is a controversial area I know but as you go along you will likely experience some differences a better network can bring whether playing files locally or streaming.  Dont forget the room as that is a big determinant of sq.

 

Whilst I understand that improving the nuc is an obvious good option,  moving to a silent ATX style would be a cheaper longer term option as you can make many more improvements from there and even an ATX with nothing extra bolted on is likely better than a nuc with similar power etc. . Sticking with a nuc will ultimately limit how far you can go. If that is not a concern for other reasons, then, all good.

 

regarding Roon on an ATX formfactor check out snakeoil OS, It makes it easy(ish) although you will eventually need to get your head around linux at a low level at least,  and does a better job than Rock with much more flexibility.

 

Having said that, I did start with nucs and all in one boards so pot, kettle, black. 😅

@Soundwise the Farad seems a reasonably priced LPS although the highest 19v option is 1v lower than the NUC 13 Prod has on its OEM supplied unit which is why I'm looking at 20v LPS's like the Ferrum Hypsos (European). I am sure you have seen this https://audiobacon.net/2021/08/06/the-worlds-best-audiophile-linear-power-supplies/  - the Farad Super 3 is listed there. It's good that the i7 14 Pro NUC has a 19v power requirement a more efficient architecture, I guess.  I'm going to get LPS units for my all my AIMesh nodes (4 currently) at some point to improve the wireless transmission between AIMesh nodes of my home network for streaming audio & video. I'll get the silent angel Bonn N8 network switch to be powered by my Forrester F1 for my office for my head-fi & run my ROCK & Hugo2+2GO streamer from here - even if there is an additional hop in the network to other endpoints in the house. I've not done in depth shoot out with my Hupo2+2Go over LAN vs Wi-Fi. I preferred wired unless I want to use that as my endpoint if I am elsewhere reading & not wanted to disturb the family.  There is a Forrester F2 that does both 12v & 5v USB & DC https://www.theaudiotailor.com.au/products/silent-angel-forrester-f2-linear-power-supply if you have use and are interested.

 

@frednork I have an IT background so I'm no stranger to Linux SLES4SAP, RHEL or Oracle flavours of LINUX, HP-UX etc. same with various windows OS version - not done MAC yet.  So I happy with most tech as i have built all my towers & get custom laptops like Metabox. I have looked at SoundBlaster & other referenced PC audio cards for ATX that I've seen mentioned on various sites, I have no experience with them at this point. the Hypsos is $AUD2199 for single or $2499 for dual output so I'm committed to that due to its 20v LPS capability. i was thinking of getting the dual & setting at 19.5V to power the AIMesh node next to it as that is an ASUS router & its power supply works on the NUC 13 Pro i7 1360P

 

I did find this https://the-sound-of-music-guide.com/vetted/best-ram-memory-for-music-production/ that mentions various sonic opinions or preferences for RAM for music servers, so I'll investigate a 2x32gb dual channel set vs 2x32 single channel modules to see the impacts to SQ & see where I land. The price outlay isn't too much that I wouldn't consider just trying it.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing where the yellow brick road leads me.

 

Cheers

V/-

Edited July 22, 2025Jul 22 by Sir.V.007

May  I suggest  that in addition to a decent linear power supply,  that  you also consider a purpose built USB card such as SOTM tX-USBx10G ( if you are going to connect to a DAC via USB cable).   They are not cheap but IMO are better value than the more expensive options out there .    

 

There has been a lot said about the contribution of ethernet switches  on this forum - I do believe they can make a difference  and you might want to borrow /demo one first since prices have gotten crazy with them.  However, there are sensible options out there  and one I came across recently ( below) is based on a Netgear switch  with new , cleaned up power supply and a better clock.  At around $200 delivered  I think there is nothing to lose and I bought one to try out.

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007812179693.html?src=google&pdp_npi=4%40dis!AUD!187.88!175.39!!!!!%40!12000042288435322!ppc!!!&src=google&albch=apprmkt&albagn=182499396&albcp=20558965617&albag=&albad=&aff_short_key=_oFgTQeV&isdl=y&aff_platform=true&albslr={}&traffic_server_nav=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17519678609&gbraid=0AAAAADC-j-WcnSugIqwc1wCbPd2N0lfvQ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItbDbkurPjgMV8KlmAh0SizHQEAYYASABEgIY_PD_BwE

Edited July 22, 2025Jul 22 by TP1

Thanks for that @TP1, 

 

For a NUC I believe we'd need an external USB isolator or one with a re-clocker either option with separate LPS sitting between the NUC and DAC or something like the Audioquest Jitterbug FMJ - which I have a number of but don't put between the DAC & NUC as the devices I have use their own isolation as far as I am aware. On the NUC the Jitterbug just sitting in spare USB 2.0 port in the back to provide a noise dissipation. I have one in my TVs & AIMesh nodes a well. However, for me the NUC it is just the Roon optimised core (kit) for my home music eco-system running Roon so I can get all the metadata of the albums and tracks as well as searching through my library and adds the benefit of including my Qobuz & Tidal subscriptions into the search result set and I can build a single playlist from all 3 sources.  I'm going to do little tweaks here & there before jumping fully down the rabbit hole.

 

I may get something like a https://hifimediy.com/product/intona-superspeed-usb-isolator-7055-d-5kv/ but need to do more research on the topic and reach out to those in the community that use them.

 

My network does need more added to improve it for music and to a degree I try to offset with cabling. I have the Audioquest Vodka Ethernet & a couple of Oz built Curious Cables (great for network music streaming), one Cardas Clear & am picking up tomorrow the new Wireworld Starlight 10. I have lots of Cinnamin and Forrest AQ cables for gaming consoles, laptop, PC & the like.

 

@Soundwise lists the Intona 7054 for his Galvanic isolation of the USB BUS in his setup.

 

Cheers

V/-

Edited July 22, 2025Jul 22 by Sir.V.007

@frednork I've done a little bit of reading on snakeoil OS running on DIY systems, I've booked marked it so I can come back at a later date. Thanks for the intro to the OS❣️

 

Room treatment is something that I'll get to, it's just not on the cards yet. Darko has a lot on this topic and his journey 🙂 

Edited July 22, 2025Jul 22 by Sir.V.007

@TP1 Clay tapped me on the shoulder from https://www.stereonet.com/forums/profile/112957-gieseler-audio/ so I am about to order one of his 19v 4A LPS's for my AIMesh Node in my office where my R.O.C.K NUC & Hugo2+2Go is. If I like the sonic improvement (which by all accounts and the science, I will) I'll add them to the master, home theatre & bedroom Mesh nodes. I'll get the Ferrum Hypsos LPS for the NUC next though and then the Reinigen USB isolator & reclocker before the LPS for other AIMesh nodes.

 

Appreciate the advice & LOVE your setup by the way.  I have yet to add the PSAudio P10 to my setup it is further down the wish list, but I do have the EGM Pearl Black power cables for both my AVRs & integrated amp & the Ruby for my 4K UHD player & old school Rotel RB-1552 Gen1 power amp - my first step into separates 15+ yrs ago. I also use the Audiolab's DC Blocks for a few of my components to great success only $AUD220 & with an AU made EGM Amythest or Ruby power cables they have been great first steps in clean power with the Thor P8 Prodigy power boards.

 

@Soundwise I'm going to get the Gieseler Reinigen USB isolater & reclocker between my Pioneer BD-RW BDR-XS07U USB UHD external drive to my laptop with some audiophile cables (AQ's Diamond [C to A] & Coffee [A to B] which I already have) to see if that improves the SQ of my CD rips. I used a standard cable to my docking station originally. This will be later in the year. Let me know if it is okay to message you directly rather than posting here in the forum unless you think sharing that in your post here isn't off topic. i am happy to start a new post to keep this one focused on the R.O.C.K running on an Asus 14 Pro NUC?

 

Have a great week all

Edited July 25, 2025Jul 25 by Sir.V.007

@Sir.V.007 I'm very happy with my Roon ROCK setup and feel that I've achieved the sound that I'm been looking for. So it's time to share.

 

It's hard to find reviews and shootouts between LPS and power cables. Most people don't think they don't measure any different and therefore don't improve the sound and are waste of money.

 

My experience is different and you are welcome to listen to my system if you're in Melb. It takes me 1min to plug in the stock AC adapter and one can hear a huge difference.

 

I think everything is important, from cables, power, jitter, noise and resonance, so it's good to share all your experience on how to improve the sound using Roon ROCK.

I totally agree with your observations @Soundwise, they match my own experiences with cabling, be it power, speaker, ethernet, usb or interconnects. 

I'm also looking to make my nuc sound as good as it possibly can on my network, Roon endpoints & equipment. 

I'm going to install the R.O.C.K OS on a 2242 M.2 & use my 4TB M.2 for the music library drive instead of the 2. 5" SATA SSD to see if I can hear any differences. It will be an interesting experience. I may order 2 32GB single channel SO-DIMM DDR4 RAM sticks as well. 

Thanks for the offer to hear the differences, I'll see if it suits when I'm in Mel next. We are of the same opinion due to our individual experiences which is good. 

Edited July 26, 2025Jul 26 by Sir.V.007

hi,

 

The Corsair MP600 2242 M.2 arrived today for me to load it up as the R.O.C.K OS & use the 2280 M.2 slot for my library on a 4TB Samsung 990 Pro.

 

I've been doing some research on the memory for best sonic improvements. It seems that dual channel is better esp. with lower latency < CL16 was a recommendation on one site.  I have CL22 Ripjaws 2x32GB in my NUC now and on G.Skill site they have CL18 & 19 options but have yet to find any for sale. I also need to check the QVL as to what is compatible first. I do notice that the speed seems to drop with the latency in SO-DIMM like the CL18 & 19s are 2666mHz. I've only done a cursory look so far. The Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2 x 16GB) ddr4 3000mHz CMSX32GX4M2A3000C18 is half what I currently have installed but it is cheap enough to use as an experiment to see if can hear a difference if compatible.

 

Does anyone have any real-world experience with RAM modules & their impact on SQ in NUCs?

 

Cheers

V/-

 

Edited July 27, 2025Jul 27 by Sir.V.007

I havent, but interested to see where you land with this.  Another free thing to try is loading your OS and players into ram removing effect of HD/SD/USB drive

Thanks @frednork,

 

Hopefully someone in the community who does see this discussion can comment. Soundwise is using Corsair RAM in his 14 Pro NUC build. 

 

Aurrender does that type of thing & they have faraday cages built into on some of their higher end devices as has been explained to me - never heard any of their units myself. I have just ordered a Kraftwerk II Fixed Output 19v 4A from Clay @ Gieseler for my AIMesh node that has my NUC & streaming DAC connected.  It will be very interesting to see if I can hear the difference to my Roon endpoints elsewhere in the house before I upgrade to a LPS for them.

 

I'm only going to make one change at a time to see if I can differentiate SQ improvements between each step.

 

Current NUC 13 Pro configuration:

• Asus NUC 13 Pro Tall Barebone Kit - Intel Core i7-1360P (RNUC13ANHI700000I)
• 64GB 3200mHz DDR4 SO-DIMM (2x32GB) G.Skill Ripjaw RAM
• Samsung 980 500GB PCIe Gen3 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (MZ-V8V500BW) for the OS Drive

• Samsung 870 EVO 4TB 2.5in SATA SSD (MZ-77E4T0BW) for the Roon local music library

Current NUC 13 Pro Enhancements:

• Les Davis Audio 3D(2) constrained layer damping for audio
• Audioquest HDMI noise stoppers
• iFi LAN Silencer plugged into the back of the NUC (best bang for buck so far in terms of audible SQ improvement - looking at other options down the track maybe the SilentPower by iFi LAN silencer pro or Bonn N8 switch)

Current Cables:

• Audioquest Diamond USB A to C USB cable
• Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable into the NUC
• Curious Cables Ethernet to streaming DAC (Chord Hugo2+2Go) from the same AIMesh node as the NUC

Local Network Endpoint:

•   Asus RT-BE88U AIMesh node - 2.5GB LAN port used for NUC + 1GB LAN port via Curious Cable ethernet to Streaming DAC

Next steps for the NUC 13 Pro R.O.C.K are:

• ***** CORSAIR MP600 Micro 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 – M.2 2242 for the OS Drive [up to 7,000MB/sec sequential read and 6,200MB/sec sequential write] **** NOT compatible! It's a Key B slot - SATA III **** 😭
• Key B M.2 2242 SATA III SSD for the OS [550/500MB/sec read/write] (Sharkspeed or Transcend)
• Samsung 990 Pro 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (MZ-V9P4T0BW) for the music library [sequential read/write speeds up to 7450/6900MB/sec]
• Try a few RAM options (eventually)
• Ferrum Hypsos LPS end of Q3 or at some point in Q4 - I've not seen these on sale before.

Cheers

V/-

Edited July 29, 2025Jul 29 by Sir.V.007

you are going to be a busy boy!!👍

@Sir.V.007 suggest installing m.2 2242 on its own first, once R.O.C.K is running via Web interface then add the 4 TB m.2 2280 for internal storage as a second step.

 

Also, FYI Roon database is tiny and 256GB or 512GB for the OS is plenty.

hey @Soundwise that was exactly how I was going to do it thanks, not giving the R.O.C.K installer any other options as the installation location. Great minds and all 🙂 

 

I'm guessing that is how you managed to install the OS on the SATA III & then have the music library on the M.2. 

 

I purchased 1 TB only so that it would have more uses if I decided to repurpose the NUC later down the track, trying to reduce technical debt given that it is aging tech now. It the largest size that the M.2 2242 slot supports so I can run any OS from it later if I choose.

 

Cheers

V/-

Edited July 29, 2025Jul 29 by Sir.V.007

It seems that I didn't RTFM close enough, the 2nd M.2 2242 slot is a Key B which is only SATA III 560/500MB/sec read/write max depending on the brand (Transcend)..... That'll teach me for being hasty!

Hi @Soundwise @Sir.V.007

 

I'm looking to purchase a NUC 14 for a Roon ROCK install. 

 

I was just wondering why you chose to install your music storage on the m.2? Do you think there are any benefits to doing it this way as opposed to the traditional method of m.2 OS install and 2.5" SSD music storage?

 

What do you think about installing the OS on the m.2 2242 slot and having music storage on the m.2 2280 instead. This would do away with the 2.5" SSD entirely which seems the way forward with the new NUC 15 units. 

Hi mvmt

 

I chose to install music onto the m.2 because it's faster then then the 2.5" ssd.

 

My roon database is tiny and I don't think there's much disk access required, but I didn't want any delays for music access, so PCIe 4 on the m.2 was preferred.

 

I'm not sure why nucs have m.2 2242 as it's hard to find and expensive. They should just have two m.2 2280 slots.

 

If you can source a m.2 2242 then install the OS and roon onto it and use the m.2 2280 for music storage because it's faster. Then you can buy the thinner nuc without 2.5" ssd.