Help in improving audio performance

[Flashman]

Hello,

This is my first post in Devialet forum. I need some suggestion from Devialet users. I am using Devialet 120 from 2016 with Harbeth Compact 7es3 and  I moved to US in 2017. At present I am using Salk Speakers ( Silk tower model).Overall I would say my speaker sounds similar to Harbeth sound. Now I am looking for some option to improve the audio performance.

My current issue is I am not getting good sound quality with local playback/streaming (Tidal) from my laptop, I am streaming using Devialet air using ethernet. I get some cracking sound sometimes and I hate it . My Roon subscription expired and with Roon I never had this cracking sound issue. I am using Cat6 cable from blue jean cable ( not audiophile) I am looking for option to improve the source. At present I am using stock power cable and wall mount. I have plans to upgrade wall socket to Furutech NCF. At present I am not using audiophile cables, power conditioners or vibration control. 

1) For improving source I am thinking of getting a NUC or Sonic transporter  and install Roon Rock ( subscribe Roon) and use it as a server and add a Roon endpoint not sure which one. First  question building a NUC myself or getting from Sonic transporter which is better option. If I build a NUC with I7 processor and good ram will it be as good as Sonic transporter? I felt high end configuration from Sonic transporter (I9) is very expensive for an audio server.
Also can you guys suggest a good roon endpoint.


2) Other option I am thinking of getting a  Devialet 220 or higher by trading my Devialet 120. Dont want to go with upgrade option as it is more expensive  . Does Devialet 220 pro is much better than 120 Expert models in sound performance? I have heard 220 many times but could never do an A to B comparison with 120. I didnt feel much difference in sound quality when I heard 220 alone. Can some one who upgraded to 220 pro give me some idea about the improvement in sound performance? Also how good is core infinity board, the streaming quality improved substantially?

I am sorry for too many questions in the first post itself. 

Thanks
Lal

Regarding option 1, if you want to save money, you could build a NUC and use Roon's implementation of Devialet AIR, thus no need for a different Roon endpoint.  Some people like building a NUC and saving money and other people, such as me, prefer to go the purchase route (Nucleus in my case).

Regarding option 2, I cannot answer your question about sound performance but will tell you that I upgraded from a Devialet Expert 200 to a Devialet Expert 220 Pro.  I am pleased with the results, as I wanted Roon Ready and Spotify Connect.  

Good luck!