I think that may depend whether someone connects it directly (via USB) or over the network. The more expensive servers look to tame any noise etc when they’re connected directly to the DAC. Not sure if that’s the case here or whether it is another NUC in fancy clothing (like last time).
Personally, I prefer to use Roon over the network and the DAC (with ethernet connection) separated from the network via fibre. Or equally, ethernet with a high quality managed switch.
Except people claim they sound better (even over ethernet as opposed to using internal renderer), while there seems to be a view that Roon has from zero to negative effect on the sound, very little or no suggestion of positive.
Because they are sensible enough to know its not true?*
*Perhaps.
Yes, it still is another NUC.
Really 
… that is a real hefty price for a NUC in fancy dress.
Yet another Harman product. You can indeed put lipstick on a pig which is Harmans tag line.
“The new Nucleus Titan is a dedicated server/streamer solution that has been optimised to work with Roon’s OS to deliver “bit-perfect playback” of your hi-res digital music collection to a Roon-compatible hi-fi system”
True. They should have put that resources in fixing their software. But seems is just all about profit making.
I guess there would be an exodus of the Roon subscribers if there is an alternative. For the time being, there is no plausible alternatives, and Roon know that they are in a niche market, so they are maximizing the profit while they can, who does not?
I think the Roon archiecture/design at a high level is good, it works for multiple zones, multiple devices, a good integration platform for 3rd parties, but the framework/implementation/execution leave many holes, and therefore it limits Roon to only 2 major streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz).
I am a very happy owner of a Nucleus. I do not feel ‘ripped off’ at all and it shines in my system.
I am very happy with Roon too. In my opinion it is a world beater.
I Am a lifetime subscriber for some years now, I like very much Roon for my system, I still feel the nucleus price makes no sense since the Roon rock software can do almost the same on a nuc.
But there is a public for their product, I very much like the fanless case of the nucleus.
Sounds very much like the stunt that certain purveyors of ‘audiophile stitches’ pull…
And that’s the only thing that matters. I am stunned how people get worked up over the Nucleus in Roon threads.
Personally I wouldn’t buy a Nucleus — there are obviously better value for money options. But what’s wrong with a convenient solution if one has the disposable income for that… Convenience can be more important than cost in certain situations… One shouldn’t judge — especially among audiophiles who are for the majority of the population total nutters… Bible knowledge isn’t my strong suit, but there was something about who throws the first stone…. Cough….
Ridiculous price unless it provides audio quality way beyond a Roon subscription and generic ‘core’ Roon device.
Will there be standard Roon and ‘fancy’ hardware based Roon at a premium from HK?
Excellent post. I personally think the Nucleus is too expensive but accept that others find it totally acceptable. I do like the convenience of the solution though and bought a Roon Rock NUC with everything pre-installed. It cost £800 which many will regard as expensive but for me I loved the fact that I had a nice fanless device that I just took out of the box, switched on and was up and running in minutes. Apart from adding downloaded albums to the internal storage, I never have to even think about it.
Our shared hobby obviously covers all ranges of people, with varying disposable incomes/savings and varying attitudes to value for money. Many people will consider the expense of a 6 box 300 series as excessive while others will spend multiples thereof. Some will class a nucleus as expensive while spending £1,000s on Ethernet cables!
The beauty of it all is that there is no right answer or only one solution. The only important thing is that we are content and make good choices within our own personal parameters.
Yes the ‘breathtaking’ visual appeal is obviously a personal factor. I do not see what a ‘superlative’ Roon experience would be. The sound will be no different and will probably be controlled via iPad, phone or similar - surely the same (admittedly excellent) experience as we all enjoy?
The perceived value of the purchase must be the looks and owner pride.
Not sure about the other options, but a great subsequent advantage of the Nucleus was that I was able to improve the sound, in my system, by adding a matching linear power supply.
I have the good fortune to be able to afford it. Every bit of noise reduction helps.
Yeah I added an Sbooster psu to mine to good effect.
Also stylish and far more customizable and powerful Intel NUC is cirrus7.
It seems that you are in love with everything Roon, which is fine 
But the smart folks here are giving sound advices on how to get the best SQ with reasonable budget.
I see that a release today takes away the requirement to have an internet connection to keep Roon alive that was introduced with 2.0. This is good news! Tidal Max is now supported as well.
