Should I get a Nuc+Roon or anything else?

[David A]

Hello,

I got a used Expert 120 last week, when I bought it I was thinking that I could use the Expert as a network player, but I realized that it is possible with CI 140. So, now I am planning to buy a Nuc and set up ROCK in it. Do you agree with that? If yes, should I get a DAC or use Expert's DAC?
Other question is about the connection, should I connect via ethernet (AIR) or USB?

Or do you recommend something another?

Thanks
Efe

There are a lot of choices for servers/streaming devices, and a lot of software choices to go with them. If you go the NUC/ROCK route I think you'll have to use Roon which means you will also have to factor in the cost of a Roon subscription. It's a good choice if you want to use Roon.

Your question about which DAC to use is going to be relevant to any server/streamer choice you make if the device includes a DAC. If you use the device's DAC and connect to the  Devialet's analog inputs the first thing that is going to happen is the Devialet is going to convert the analog signal back to digital and it's going to end up going through the Devialet's DAC a bit later in the signal path. With a Devialet you can't avoid using the Devialet's DAC. I prefer to avoid unnecessary analog to digital conversions which are then going to be converted back to analog by a second DAC so I would connect whatever device you choose to the Devialet via either ethernet or USB so that the signal remains in the digital domain until it reaches the Devialet's DAC.  That's my preference but you may prefer using the Devialet's analog inputs. Try both ways if you like and see which you prefer. There's no cost involved if the server/streamer you choose has both analog and digital outputs.

Ethernet vs USB: some manufacturers have a preference and Roon prefer ethernet. Some listeners have a preference for one input over the other. There is a small difference in sound to my ears and I prefer ethernet with Roon. If you have both options, try both and see which you prefer.

There is no "one size fits all" answer to these questions. You can use either analog or digital input to the Devialet, you can use either ethernet or USB or even optical or coax SPDIF if your chosen server/streamer has those outputs. Some devices do better with some outputs than with others but some people also have their own preferences. There's no method which suits everyone. Try whatever options you like and pick the one which you prefer, after all you're looking for a result you like so you should be taking your own preferences into account.