04-Apr-2019, 01:01
I'm got a Nucleus+ on order to replace my current Antipodes DS so I can't personally comment on how well the Nucleus will work with a Devialet but there are several Nucleus users here and all are happy with it but some are having streaming issues with RAAT, apparently related to streaming high res files over ethernet.
Roon recommend ethernet connections and that's what I prefer with my Antipodes DS. USB sounds very good, just not as good to me but there are people who prefer USB to ethernet. I've also tried AIR and RAAT and I prefer RAAT but I think that's largely a personal preference. There are people who prefer AIR. There is definitely a difference in my view but it's subtle,. They're close in my view and I was very happy with AIR before the Roon Ready update. I just have a preference for RAAT. Whatever you run Roon on, you will have the choice of AIR or RAAT since you've got a Devialet with the CI board. You've got the choice on your Mac mini and you'll have it on the Nucleus. @ssfas has it on his Innuos, I've got it on my Antipodes. The choice isn't dependent on the hardware platform, it's part of the Roon software.
I intend using ethernet with my Nucleus+ when it arrives but I suspect I'll get around to trying USB as well, and while I intend starting with RAAT I'll also get around to trying AIR again. You've got the options so try them and pick the ones which sound best to you. It's not going to cost you anything to swap from one option to another so try them and pick the one you prefer. Your preferences may change with whatever server you get.
Some servers offer features that the Nucleus line lacks, like a ROM drive and software for ripping CDs, and their own backup software and functionality. Those features may or may not be important to you but it's worth looking at them.
The other thing to consider is processing power. Take a look at what Roon say the Nucleus and Nucleus+ can do and the processing chips they use and consider how those capabilities fit in with what you want to do. Make sure you choose a server with enough processing power for your needs, regardless of whether it comes from Roon or someone else. A bit extra processing power is never a problem because new software versions always seem to want a bit more power. Not having enough processing power to do what you want to do is always a problem.
Whatever you get I think you will find it an improvement on your Mac mini. I was running Roon on my desktop Mac Mini before I bought my Antipodes and it didn't take me long to decide that moving from the Mac mini to a dedicated music server was a very good idea. The Mac was good but there is a difference between good and better.
Roon recommend ethernet connections and that's what I prefer with my Antipodes DS. USB sounds very good, just not as good to me but there are people who prefer USB to ethernet. I've also tried AIR and RAAT and I prefer RAAT but I think that's largely a personal preference. There are people who prefer AIR. There is definitely a difference in my view but it's subtle,. They're close in my view and I was very happy with AIR before the Roon Ready update. I just have a preference for RAAT. Whatever you run Roon on, you will have the choice of AIR or RAAT since you've got a Devialet with the CI board. You've got the choice on your Mac mini and you'll have it on the Nucleus. @ssfas has it on his Innuos, I've got it on my Antipodes. The choice isn't dependent on the hardware platform, it's part of the Roon software.
I intend using ethernet with my Nucleus+ when it arrives but I suspect I'll get around to trying USB as well, and while I intend starting with RAAT I'll also get around to trying AIR again. You've got the options so try them and pick the ones which sound best to you. It's not going to cost you anything to swap from one option to another so try them and pick the one you prefer. Your preferences may change with whatever server you get.
Some servers offer features that the Nucleus line lacks, like a ROM drive and software for ripping CDs, and their own backup software and functionality. Those features may or may not be important to you but it's worth looking at them.
The other thing to consider is processing power. Take a look at what Roon say the Nucleus and Nucleus+ can do and the processing chips they use and consider how those capabilities fit in with what you want to do. Make sure you choose a server with enough processing power for your needs, regardless of whether it comes from Roon or someone else. A bit extra processing power is never a problem because new software versions always seem to want a bit more power. Not having enough processing power to do what you want to do is always a problem.
Whatever you get I think you will find it an improvement on your Mac mini. I was running Roon on my desktop Mac Mini before I bought my Antipodes and it didn't take me long to decide that moving from the Mac mini to a dedicated music server was a very good idea. The Mac was good but there is a difference between good and better.
Roon Nucleus+, Devilalet Expert 140 Pro CI, Focal Sopra 2, PS Audio P12, Keces P8 LPS, Uptone Audio EtherREGEN with optical fibre link to my router, Shunyata Alpha NR and Sigma NR power cables, Shunyata Sigma ethernet cables, Shunyata Alpha V2 speaker cables, Grand Prix Audio Monaco rack, RealTRAPS acoustic treatment.
Brisbane, Qld, Australia
