I am using ROON with a Intel NUC i7, gen 8. I am using the power supply included with the NUC, a switcher with 19 volts 6.32 amp output. Has anyone used a 3rd party Linear Power Supply (LPS) with a NUC? Does it provide better sound? I am streaming to the Vivaldi Upsampler network port, ripped CDs on the NUC’s SSD and Tidal.
Adding good third party power supplies to both my audio switch and the internet router made a very noticeable positive difference. I’d hazard a guess by analogy that the result with a NUC would be quite positive too. For better informed guidance - the Audiophile Style forum has threads on the NUC / LPS issue.
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Mine is powered by a used Acopian (from eBay).
My dealer recommend LPS for the router and it made a big difference. There was less noise and better definition of the instruments, the bass was less boomy. I could turn up the volume a bit more and the sound was wonderful. I’m using a Plixir for the router. He also recommended LPS for the Roon Nucleus, and I got another Plixir today. There was better delineation of the sounds but after a while I decided that with my setup it sounded less musical, as if the LPS sucked the life out of my system. I had to crank up the volume more and I still didn’t enjoy my favorite tracks. I took it out and am using the power supply that came with the Nucleus, and everything sounds wonderful, again. In my case it was probably over-optimization, but it could be different for other setups. I highly recommend LPS for the router, though.
I got my fiber optic connection today, and I briefly switched the LPS with the power supply that came with the internet router. I listened to a song called “Blackjack” by Joe Louis Walker from the Between A Rock And The Blues album. The song sounds muddy with the regular power supply, almost unlistenable. It rocks with the Plixir LPS. Everything sounds so clear and delineated and musical at the same time. I’m ever so grateful for my dealer recommending an LPS for the internet router. It’s a huge upgrade to the whole system.