I have often read that it is absolutely best to have a separate Roon server and a separate sound source. I believe this to be true.
You could use a pi streamer to test this.
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I can believe that. A local hi-fi dealer uses a nucleus+ for its core and has it in the back office away from of the equipment and is using multiple Innuos and MSB end points.
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Well golly, using Innuos and MSB end points is a whole nuther thang!
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The MSB dac is connected to D’Agonstino Amp and Preamp Rockport Avior II speakers and top of the line transparent cables. Also complimented with a pair of REL subs! Nice system and easy on the eyes.
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I have been extremely happy using the IFI IUSB2 between the endpoint and the matrix. The IFi is powered by the new ifs 9v power supply.
I also agree that a RP4 or a SBC as a roon endpoint works wonders (tweaked dietpi OS powered by Allo Nirvana PS)
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Does iFi no longer make those iUSB2s?
I moved my Euphony server and EtherREGEN back out of the room my main system was in. I put the Matrix back in its box. My current DAC sounds best when fed directly from my Signature Rendu Optical via a Sigma or Stealth USB cable. Now I know.
Perhaps it is time to try a Euphony Summus server.
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Did anyone (other than Al) try the RAL usb on the matrix ?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Buy an Inakustik Referenz USB. They are reasonable in price and will perform at a level ’with the expensive usb and better than what you have.
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OMG 
. You guys were not kidding about the RAL hdmi. Amazing. Brad is a magician. The Farad was a nice improvement, but the RAL hdmi is in another league. Everything sounds live.
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Wait until you hot rod it with the XS4400 Edcor transformers that Ted is putting in MKII DS. It goes way beyond what theRAL by itself does. All for a sixth of that RAL cable price.
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Concur. Those are the best upgrades I’ve ever made.
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What about the usb to the Matrix, what’s the forum consensus on that one?
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I posted here about my roon core being right in front of my matrix. I’ve since designated my retired roon core, which is fanless, as the endpoint, and moved my roon core so that it’s still wired to my router, but not on the same CAT8 cable as to the endpoint. Got rid of EtherREGEN, which I might have held onto slightly longer with this config…cest la vie
No USB concensus. Ive only used supra and the matrix made USB. Both cheap at like $100 a pop.
Not even the Shunyata sigma usb favored by birthday boy @aangen ?
Sadly the Sigma USB and Sigma AES/EBU are sitting on the sidelines waiting for another day.
Alpha is old news now there is Sigma and Omega. I have no doubt every cable in the digital chain will sound different. They do in mine. So far I have resisted USBs and power cords at DAC prices. Other forums love the Shunyata USB cords starting with the Sigma. I am sure you can’t go wrong. Not much written on Omegas yet.
The consensus seems to be more layering and detail as you go up the chain. Review Shunyata USB cables - The Shunyata Trio - Alpha Audio
I think if USB were the last step and not HDMI to the DAC I might seriously spend the money. But my Inakustik Referenz really stand out at ethernet and USB especially with the Edcor XS4400 transformers upgrade.
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I think Inakustik is the brand to go for first. I have read more than a few reviews of Inakustik cables replacing very expensive and highly regarded cables and standing up if not exceeding the performance of the cables they replace.
If someone wants to avoid cables that cost over $400 but would like the best bang for their buck that is Inakustik turf.
I need to try an Inakustik USB cable and see how it stands up to my best.
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Here is recent review Referenz versus the stealth USB
He liked the Inakustik better but his stealth was likely a few years old and not the latest.
He states prices was 430 but the .8m is only 340. He also talks os a silver metallurgy. If the USB is available in silver sign me up. Perhaps I’ll email Robert Neil.
This was my first audiophile cable and I bought it after review on the SGC site and canceled a my purchase of the Australian cable that no longer gets amany admirers.
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