sbank

Thanks, I have external backup covered.

My DS415+ is ~6years old. I'm 41% full with 4 WD Red 4TB drives using all four slots, running RAID5. It's exclusively for 85K track music library and hard wired to a TP-Link switch, along with a Sonictransport i5 as Roon Core, and opticalRendu>>Denafrips Pontus II>BAT pre>>Krell Amp>> Soundlab ESLs. During some recent troubles with my Roon db and intermittent library drops, Andrew at SGC did a remote support call and observed that my NAS is running pretty slow, which could have been a contributing factor. After deleting the Roon DB and software and starting again with a fresh build, everything is back to great...for now. I did some research and the DS1621+ and M.2 cache is the new object of desire. For the moment, there's no need, but what's good advice on how to monitor the long term viability of the DS415+ and any insights on at what point it will need replacement? I'm not concerned with storage availability in the short run, but I want to have solid reliability so that whenever I grab the Roon Remote, I can be confident of quick library browsing and playback without any connectivity drops, creating brief headaches like Roon messaging "that album has been deleted from your library", then playing it a few seconds later. FWIW, I'm more of a stereo geek than a computing enthusiast, so no interest in building/coding Linux/DIY. If I make an upgrade, it will likely be to another Synology to limit my learning curve. Thanks!

It wouldn't be October without mentioning Joe's enhanced sound diffusion from his collection of baseball caps!

Many posts seem to imply that Roon and Spotify cooperation is highly unlikely. Does Spotify in CD quality change that dynamic from either party's perspective? As a Roon user who currently doesn't use a streaming service, and leans more towards interest in Qobuz, this makes me more interested in getting Spotify thru Roon, as my partner is a diehard Spotify user who already has a Premium subscription.

Buying used will get you a lot of advantages...a chance to demo as long as you like, and the ability to flip at little expense if things don't work out, double the bang/buck. Just be sure to fully insure the shipment and to buy only from someone with plenty of positive feedback as a seller of audio gear. Since demoing at home with be partially dependent on the amp used, either start with something on your short list that errs towards being easier to drive. Alternatively, if you have a friend nearby who'd lend a more powerful amp to demo, that would be a bonus.

@Hillbilly HiFi A few thoughts for your consideration... Rogue is a really company where every employee is a music lover and they really go out of their way to provide great value. I've met the whole team when they hosted our local audio club and toured >50 of us thru their factory. The are blue collar guys putting their hearts & soul into everything they make and IMHO, it shows in their work. They go to great length to test every sub-assembly etc. and listen extensively when choosing components. I have a lot of respect for Mark and what he's built there. However, the model you've chosen doesn't strike me as the best choice to pair with the Zus which are pretty easy to drive. I'd look at a different model without the class D. IMO, the Rogue gear is in a higher sonic class than the other options you listed. Of those 3 brands, I'd suggest Schiit as next best option, but if you are looking to buy new and soon, see their own posts on Agon, noting that many products aren't currently available due to pandemic-related parts shortages. Zu speakers are rather unique in sonic profile, something that's kinda love it or hate it. Have you heard them? If not, I'd say they're a bit riskier choice than most alternatives. If buying used (i.e flippable) it wouldn't matter and be worth a try. To try to describe what I've heard with many Zu models: Pros: Sound really jumps out of the boxes effortlessly with a lightness and toe-tapping speed. Similar to the strength of most horn speakers. They're usually easy to drive and mate well with tube amps. Cons: The tonal balance can seem a little off with a tinge of nasally honky-ness that bugs me vs. the highs from other tweeter types. Not much depth to the soundstage, even though it was quite wide. I've only heard them in 3 or 4 rooms, but that was noticeable each time. YMMV, just my own observations, limited by memory. Cheers, Spencer

@blue2 raises some great points about feature sets that will affect your amp/pre/digital decision. But while electronics do have their own sonic flavors to SOME degree, I'd argue that variation is sonics ranges far more widely with speakers So I'd try to narrow down the speaker first to whatever matches your personal preferences and is best value for your budget. As an example, IMHO, Zu speakers have a distinct sonic signature that my local audio club has found polarizing...some love 'em, some hate 'em. Some of their models have built-in amps that drive just the low-end drivers. This makes them pair up well w/modest tube power to drive just the mids & highs. If such Zus are your cup of tea, you'd want to consider that before choosing an amp. BTW, they offer some really cool modern colors and even pattern painted cabinets if you are into bold artistic design.

https://www.vandersteen.com/products/model-2ce-signature-iii if buying new. https://www.vandersteen.com/products/model-3a-signature if buying used.

@Cosmic_Error There are many good options, but you could compare suggestions to ice cream flavors. My preference for mint not match yours for chocolate. So with huge depreciation a factor, if you can't listen to candidates, consider buying used at 50-60% of MSRP. You can consider your purchase an extended demo with your room and your amp. If you pivot, you won't lose your shirt. Another consideration is floorstanding vs. bookshelf. You'll certainly want stands for any bookshelf type speaker to get their best performance. Once you consider that on stands, floorspace used often isn't much different than a floorstander. If your preference is a warmer tonal balance, a larger cabinet will generally produce more/better bass which contribute towards that warmer balance, so a modest floorstander may be your best route. From your list, IMHO, the Monitor Audio sounds most like your description of what you're after. However, I'd suggest researching Totem, Golden Ear, and most of all a used pair of Vandersteens. All these and most speakers will sound MUCH better a few feet into the room from the wall behind them. If you're dead set on having speakers against the wall, please look for a speaker designed with that in mind. If you haven't considered them Magnepan .7 planars are a tremendous performer for their price. Many never turn back once they try planar speakers. Looks and how they work in your room are a very personal thing. If you google photos, you'll see many make planars fit tremendously in a variety of room types/styles.

View Classified Sonore microRendu Network Streamer, Latest 2.8 Firmware Mint condition, from original owner, Sonore microRendu audiophile music server including latest 2.8 version firmware and backup copy of 2.7 firmware. Outstanding endpoint for Roon streaming, Spotify Connect, NAA mode for HQ Player, DLNA/MPD mode for use with a huge variety of iOS and Android remote apps(e.g. Lumin, Linn Kazoo, Audionet). Includes original box, packing materials, hard USB connector. Requires 7V power supply(many options from inexpensive ones on Amazon to better ones from iFi, Uptone, Sbooster, Paul Hynes, Sonore, etc). "The Sonore microRendu is an audiophile microcomputer with Ethernet input and USB Audio output. The microRendu utilizes a proprietary printed circuit board with only the essential components. The microRendu is small and lightweight. Connect the microRendu directly to your USB device via a USB cable or hard adapter eliminating the need for a USB cable. Don't let the size fool you though because it's been designed to take into consideration all that is important to USB Audio. The microRendu is easy to configure and can accept audio streams from several digital sources." Sonore microRendu reviews: AudiophileStyle Review (Product of the Year) https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/Sonore-microRendu-Review-Part-1/ Part 2 https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/Sonore-microRendu-Review-Part-2/ Darko Review https://darko.audio/2017/01/classy-sonores-microrendu-takes-digital-audio-higher/ The Absolute Sound Review https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sonore-microrendu-streaming-music-player-and-signature-series-linear-power-supply Paypal fees and CONUS shipping included. $30USD shipping to Canada. Or local pickup in Austin, TX. See my extensive 100% feedback on audiogon, usaudiomart & ebay all same ID, "sbank". Seller sbank Date 01/30/21 Price 249.00 USD Category Music Servers / Streamers

@alvin1118 Arrived in Austin, TX yesterday (3 days early). Compliments on the secure packing materials. Setup was a breeze. Sounds great right out-of-the-box. That won't stop me from running it 24/7 for another hundred hours or more. One small suggestion for your buddies at Denafrips: You might consider updating wording on the quick start guide regarding that drivers only apply for computers. I was scratching my head for a moment, wondering if/how I'd install a driver on my opticalRendu, but of course that wasn't needed. Cheers, Spencer

Pontus pendings are now shipping 😆

Psyched up for Pontus delivery!

Great job, @thecomputeraudiophile ! I'm sure you have guests lining up. Manufacturers will be eager to chat with you. Some good candidates include J.Stoddard(always entertaining!), HansB. and J.Swenson...keep it up, brother!

View Classified Sonore microRendu Network Streamer & Custom Linear Power Supply Sonore microRendu audiophile network player/streamer including latest 2.8 version firmware. Custom linear power supply. Outstanding endpoint for Roon streaming, Spotify Connect, NAA mode for HQ Player, DLNA/MPD mode for use with a huge variety of iOS and Android remote apps(e.g. Lumin, Linn Kazoo, Audionet). Includes original box, packing materials, hard USB connector. Linear power supply includes 4ft. DC output cable providing 7V to microRendu power input and allowing convenient placement of the LPS on a separate shelf from the mR. Only selling because I upgraded to OpticalRendu. Darko Review https://darko.audio/2017/01/classy-sonores-microrendu-takes-digital-audio-higher/ The Absolute Sound Review https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sonore-microrendu-streaming-music-player-and-signature-series-linear-power-supply LPS built specifically for the microRendu by Vince DiNenna - Ecco Audio, a respected audio builder & designer who only builds for friends, details as follows: - Linear Technologies application notes based design - Low ESR aluminum caps. - Static shielded - Antek toroidal transformer 9v, 8 amps capable. - Jantzen Audio 2.0mH 15 AWG Air Core Inductor Crossover Coil for filter section. (That's big.) - Linear Technology 1084ct low dropout regulator . 3 amps capable. Adjustable. - Hifi2000 Italian made aluminum with steel cover chasis with semi heat sink side panels & anti-vibration feet. - DIN plug, removable DC multi-stranded copper 4ft. cable. - Black front panel, blue led on front. - Toggle power switch on back - IEC connector. Removable. - Ceramic fuse. - Modular design. It's included here basically for the cost of the parts. Sound quality rivals many ~$500 linear power supplies. Includes: Sonore microRendu 1.0, latest 2.8 firmware on microSD card, 2.7 microSD card(for backup), hard USB connector-replaces USB cable if you want to place directly behind your DAC, original packaging, Ecco Audio custom linear power supply, 4ft. DC cable, generic AC cable Paypal fees & free shipping to CONUS. Local pickup in Austin, TX, USA. Other countries, via Fedex at buyer's expense. Seller sbank Date 01/16/21 Price 399.00 USD Category Music Servers / Streamers