Standalone music server vs Mac mini

[audio_engr]

Roon and Tidal are working fine now via AIR (EtH) in a Dev 200. My only digital source is a Mac mini 2012/16GB RAM/ SSD - AIR (eth) direct in. My speakers: Raidho X1.

My concern is that the Mini is not optimized for audio so I wonder what upgrade path to take.

Either I tweak the Mini with software and new LPS. But I wonder if that's worth it as I'm not using the USB input on the DEV. USB is known for its electric interference. But is not Ethernet a lot cleaner?? a proper Paul Hynes SR5 would cost about €700,-?

The other route is going for a standalone server like Innuos or Sonictransporter i5. (€700-€900)
If so, what switch is recommended? they also tend to perform better with a better PSU!?

Or just go for a cheap NUC? (€100-200)

Requirements: able to handle Roon core.

My goal is to improve SQ on a budget, but improvement should be significant as in better transparency/separation.
What would your advice be??

Hi roestano,

I too am in a situation like you with my Macbook Air + External Thunderbolt hard drive running Roon Core as the source and stream using Roon AIR. 

I am totally convinced that unless you break out from the integrated Roon Core to Roon Server OR RAAT / Roon Renderer / Roon Control, you cannot step-up the performance hence SQ. I clearly see 2 routes in this Step-up approach :

1. Innuos Zenith MKII Standard or SE and going direct to Devialet

2. Dedicated unit running Roon Server with LPSU, Dedicated unit running Roon Renderer, do controls in iPad / iPhone etc and feed to Devialet. 

Since I live in a region where its difficult for me to take advantage of Devialet upgrades, I have decided to head :
sonicTransporter i5 with 2TB SSD running Roon Server, I am building my own DIY LPSU for sT i5, dCS network bridge as Roon Renderer and feed Devialet thru AES/EBU. I'll use iPad/iPhone for controls. [In time, I will add Mutec Ref10 XCXO Clock] to scale up further SQ.