nmolnar

Per SGC website, the I5 also supports HQPlayer. sonicTransporter i5 (Gen 3) – Small Green Computer "The sonicTransporter i5 runs Roon Core Server, HQPlayer (embedded), Squeezebox Server, Plex Media Server and MinimServer (DLNA server). " If your budget permits, get the SONICTRANSPORTER I9 OPTICAL @$2599.00. Going optical signal path will gain the most benefit as well as having uber capacity and up sampling capability in the I9 unit.

The SonicTransporter I5i s a great choice for upgrade path from the Mac Mini. Small Green Computer has in my experience excellent support and brings great value to the table. I own an older version I5 and am very happy with it. I'm using it to run Roon 1.8 core server. It's LINUX OS provides a better operating system platform for Roon core server than Windows 10 or Mac OS as many of the unneeded SW components which add to complexity of running the device are not present in it's implementation. Best bet is to eliminate all UBS cabling from your system if possible and just connect to the DAC via direct Ethernet connection but it does not appear your DAC supports this. I'm using a Mytek Manhattan II DAC with Ethernet/Roon interface card and have found Ethernet the best way to connect music streams to the DAC. You could pick up a used one with a Ethernet/Roon card for about $4k. I'm using Blue Jeans CAT6 Ethernet cables which provides a Fluke Networks test document with each cable to insure it meets specs, something I have not seen with more expensive audiophile cables.

Kennyb123, you make some very good observations. At times in my system I have bypassed the ARC-LS17SE and used the Mytek Brooklyn DAC with excellent results as my preamp. I do think using the LS-17SE gives somewhat better results in my system but I would be able to live with the Brooklyn DAC as a preamp without a problem.

I have been using an Audio research LS-17 SE for about a year now and I am extremely pleased with it. Can't say how it compares with a Sonic Frontiers Line One. If you can audition one or pick one up for a good price, I think you will find it a top-shelf line stage.