Combined NAS and Roon Core options

Streaming Audio
1

I’m exploring options for a combined NAS and Roon Core solution. I have a streamer plus various standalone speakers connected to WiFi which would work with Roon in a multi-room mode. The streamer is connected via a network cable – a setup I would keep.

Here is a range of options based on a preference for a NAS solution designed for audio, able to be a Roon Core and for SSD vs HDD set-ups. It would be helpful to narrow the choices down before auditioning:

  • ZENminiMk3
  • ZENminiMk3 + LPSU
  • ZENith Mk3
  • Audiostore Prestige 3
  • Silent Angel Rhein Z1
  • Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus

Obviously, there’s a range of box specs and price points here. But I plan to use the box as a NAS some distance from my main system and connect it to the streamer via ethernet cable (rather than via optical/USB input or go to amp via separate DAC). In this specific set-up would others’ experiences suggest the sound quality benefits of higher specs are likely to be less noticeable? Maybe the additional money could be better spent elsewhere not at all.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

2

For optimum Roon performance do not run Core on a NAS. Core is best (functionally and SQ wise) when run under Rock on a dedicated device. Roon has recently launched a Nucleus that does all that. $500 in US. Supposed to be in UK in not too distant at a similar price, I would imagine. If you want to do upsampling, DSP and the like in Roon then consider a Nucleus+ or similar NUC type device.

You can then choose a NAS to suit and point Roon at the relevant files.

2 Likes
3

Thank you. That is helpful. I will look out for the launch.

Do you have a view on the choice of NAS? I won’t need a streaming capability that is generally bundled with these audio solutions but I would want a low noise design.

4

I wouldn’t worry too much about what sort of network storage you use for Roon. Any NAS would work, or just attach a USB drive to the Core device.

1 Like
5

I no longer use a NAS so I’m not up to date on them; sorry. I have my music files on an SSD in my Nucleus, which is on my telephone table in the hall (i.e. well away from my hifi). I use a Moon 390 as an end point.

I also stream Qobuz via Roon, or sometimes via the Moon direct; when my audiophile nervosa kicks in and I check SQ of Roon vs Direct. No discernible difference.

1 Like
6

When i had my zenith I tested it as a Roon core and it worked perfectly well. I couldn’t hear a difference between running Roon on the zenith or on a seperate mac either although I didn’t do any upsampling etc

7

I had roon on a core under rock, its now on a server. Roon recommends that the player and core are not the same device. I could detect no differences in sound quality between a rock and a server.

The server lives in the garage so well away from the hifi.

You would be better getting a pc or nas from a recognised ‘compute’ manufacturer. I would always suggest a bare bones one that you install your own OS on, then you have control and are not at the hands of zen or naim, or what ever when they decide they are bored of it.