Renderer vs. USB or AES + Roon Core server suggestions

[Brucemck2]

I’m in the middle of inserting an isolated network, MSB Reference Dac, and MSB Director into my chain. Two questions for folks on this forum:

1) I am looking for Roon Core server recommendations. I need enough horsepower to run convolution filters (I use them occasionally) and enough resident hard drive space to manage a sizable (approximately 6tb library). Ideally the unit would also enable me to use HQ Player, but that’s a nice to have and not a must have. I’d like to keep the cost of the unit below $10k. Anyone have a perspective on a Nucleus+ vs. a SonicTransporter (i7 or i9)? Versus an Antipodes K50? Other recommendations?

2) Are the sonics via Ethernet into the Renderer module better/worse than using the Director’s USB input? AES? This will (obviously) have a bearing on the server choice.

Thanks.

 

[Another Johnson]

I’m in the middle of inserting an isolated network, MSB Reference Dac, and MSB Director into my chain. Two questions for folks on this forum:

1) I am looking for Roon Core server recommendations. I need enough horsepower to run convolution filters (I use them occasionally) and enough resident hard drive space to manage a sizable (approximately 6tb library). Ideally the unit would also enable me to use HQ Player, but that’s a nice to have and not a must have. I’d like to keep the cost of the unit below $10k. Anyone have a perspective on a Nucleus+ vs. a SonicTransporter (i7 or i9)? Versus an Antipodes K50? Other recommendations?

2) Are the sonics via Ethernet into the Renderer module better/worse than using the Director’s USB input? AES? This will (obviously) have a bearing on the server choice.

Thanks.

I like my Nucleus, but I’ve heard an excellent system that ran the Roon Core on an Innous Statement.

 

[7ryder]

An Antipodes K50 will do the trick - plenty of storage, runs convolution filters, and does HQ Player without breaking a sweat. I had a Sonic Transporter i7 before I got the K50, the K50 is better. That said, unless you find one used, you won't get one for $10K...

Luckily, I know a guy who has an Extreme inbound (supposed to ship this week) and will be selling his shortly.