The Roon Core software is the hart of the Roon music system. It can run on a Windows,
Mac OS or Linux computer and on some high-end NAS'ses. But now there is Roon ROCK, a dedicated
Roon Core server for the Intel NUC computer. That's what I have been waiting for…
Although setting up a Roon ROCK computer can be done by anyone that's not afraid of a
keyboard, it turned out to be a three part video. In this part 1 I will introduce the
ROCK concept and alternatives and start setting up the computer. ROCK is short for Roon Optimised
Core Kit and can be downloaded for free as a disk image file that will do the complete
installation. Although the ROCK software is based on a Linux kernel, it is highly optimised
for its purpose. After installation, keyboard, mouse and monitor are no longer needed. Some
very basic settings can be done from another computer or tablet using a web based interface
while all typical Roon settings are done, as always, using the remote control app of
Roon that might run on a tablet, smartphone and/or computer. Updates are done the same
way as with the Windows, Mac OS and Linux versions; the user interface asks you whether
the update can be installed immediately or at another moment. When you allow it to update,
it all runs by itself, but here not only the Roon Core is updated but also the Linux kernel,
if needed. So, the Intel NUC computer effectively becomes a headless server or, if you like,
a kind of consumer device.
For those that don't like fiddling with computers, Roon will introduce the Nucleus,
a NUC based Roon server in a classy housing. Being a wordsmith, I love this name: Nucleus
not only starts with NUC, it is latin for 'Core' and in computing is synonymous
for the core of a computer's operating system. RoonLab's Nucleus has no forced cooling
while optionally a linear power supply is available for those that like to connect their
USB DAC directly to the Nucleus. There will be two versions, the Nucleus based on a Intel
Core i3 and the Nucleus Plus based on a Core i7. Prices will be $ 1200 and $ 2000 including
the software but excluding the subscription. Considerably more money than a NUC on which
you install the Rock software, but it's fiddle free and supported by the dealer. Since
we're at it, Elac will also introduce a NUC bases machine but this more in line with
their Discovery DS-S101-G and thus have audio outputs. In contrast to the DS-S101G it will
run the full version of Roon and thus have an unlimited catalogue size and all other
features of the full version of Roon. The Nucleus and Discovery devices come ready to
use. This is not the case for the Intel NUC, of course.
If you go Dutch, meaning you save money by installing ROCK on an Intel NUC computer,
you first have to decide what version of the NUC to use. The NUC model number starts with
N U C, followed by a series number, a processor type and some alphabet soup. So a NUC5i3,
followed by three characters is a 5th generation using a Core i3 processor and a NUC7i5 is
a seventh generation with Core i5 processor. ROCK runs on NUC5 to NUC7 series. According
to RoonLabs the i3 models are suited for small and medium libraries while a Core i7 processor
might be needed for large libraries. Small, medium and large are not quantified, however.
I think that using DSP functions will have an impact on the CPU load too, unless Roon
uses the GPU - the graphics processor - for the DSP functions. Also remember that the
DSP functions can be different for each and every endpoint or group of endpoints, each
putting a burden on the computational capacity. I'll get back to this later on in the hands
on tests. One last remark: the NUC computers know two kinds of cabinets: a low one that
can only house a M.2 SSD drive and a higher version that can also house a 2.5 inch hard
disk or SSD. The model number of the low version ends on K while the tall version ends on H
of hard disk.
Back to the installation. There is a comprehensive install guide on the Roonlabs site, the link
is in the notes. You start with preparing the Intel NUC computer since it comes without
drive and memory, those have to be ordered separately. There are also dealers that install
a drive and memory at an extra charge. Since the components you are going to install are
sensitive to static discharge, you should preferably wear a static band, available from
the same source you got your Intel NUC and memory from. This band is worn around the
wrist and is connected to the ground plane of the computer - which is about any large
metal part in the computer. If you don't want to buy a static band, at least first
touch a metal part on the computer before handling components and try to avoid contact
with components and the copper traces on PCB's. You now will install a 64 GB or larger SSD
in the M.2 Slot. SSD stands for solid state drive, a drive that has no spinning disk inside
but non volatile memory. The M.2 variant comes on a small print in stead of a hard disk housing
as was the standard. You also have to install 4 GB or more RAM - random access memory. Roonlabs
is quite clear about the capacity of both the SSD and the RAM. You only need a 64 GB
SSD, although these are becoming obsolete so you probably have to buy 128 GB. More is
no problem but it is a waste of money as long as the 64 GB version is available. Either
the 42 mm or the 80 mm versions can be installed. To do this, you first have to fully disconnect
the Intel NUC computer and then open it by putting it top down, preferably on a towel
or other smooth surface to prevent scratches. Now unscrew the four screws in the feet on
the bottom. Then lift the bottom carefully. If you have chosen the taller version that
can hold a 2.5 inch drive, two cables will be attached to the bottom so you have to 'fold'
the bottom to one side. Now find the M.2 connector and for the 80 mm version you have to remove
the two screws A and B. Then alight the small notch at the bottom edge of the M.2 card with
the key in the connector and insert the M.2 card in the connector. Secure the card using
one of the screws you just removed. The 42 mm version can be inserted the same way but
this time you need not remove screw A and you use the screw that came from position
B to secure the M.2 card.
If you have bought the 'H' version that can hold a 2.5 inch hard disk as well, you
might choose to use the 2.5 inch slot to install the system drive in if you have a 64 GB 2.5
inch SSD laying around. Please do realise that the system drive does have to be a SSD
drive, a spinning drive simply is too slow for the Roon Core. Since M.2 drives are the
fastest, it is best to use these as system drive. That leaves you with the 2.5 inch drive
slot you can use for music. 2.5 inch spinning disks are now available up to a capacity of
5 TB, sufficient for about 10.000 cd quality albums in FLAC or Apple Lossless. High res
files like 24/192 or DSD 64 take a six fold on space so if you would have only these albums,
you are limited to about 1,700 albums on a 5 TB drive. Mind you, this is only the storage
space for the audio files, the Roon database on the system drive is virtually unlimited.
Illustrated: the 128 GB M.2 SSD in my NUC stores metadata on all my 10,200 albums and
still has 91% of free space. In stead of a spinning disk you could also use a 3.5 inch
SSD. These are considerably more expensive and are limited to about 2 TB. Speed wise
there is no need for an SSD but some say that these drives produce less electronic noise
and therefore offer better sound quality. This might be true since SSD's generally
use far less power than spinning disks, as can be seen in this graph. Higher power consumption
might cause varying voltages on the power bus. This might be of influence when a DAC
is connected directly to the computer. If you use a network audio adaptor like a Raspberry
Pi running the HiFiBerry Endpoint software, the SOtM sMS-200 or the Sonore MicroRendu,
if you use a DAC that has a Roon Endpoint integrated like the PS Audio DAC,s or if you
use a Roon compatible streamer like the Bluesound series, I won't think it would make any
difference since a network cable is the only connection between the renderer and the NUC.
Anyway, installing a 2.5 inch drive in the H versions of the NUC is as simple as just
sliding it in.
This is the end of part 1. I am already working on part 2 where we will work further on the
completion of the NUC and install the software. So stay in contact by subscribing to this
channel or my newsletter or follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. See the show notes for
the links. If you have a question, post it below this video but please don't ask me
for buying advise. See my About Questions video to find out why. If you liked this video,
please consider supporting the channel through Patreon and see super exclusive videos too.
Just one dollar a month will do. The link is in the show notes. And don't forget to
tell your friends on the web about this channel. I am Hans Beekhuyzen, thank you for watching
and see you in the next show or on theHBproject.com. And whatever you do, enjoy the music.
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