It is somewhat relief that many users are not experiencing the sound de-gration using Roon, but unfortunately I still think it will be difficult to say for sure that the sound of Roon and Sooloos core is exactly "identical."

I am already committed to use Roon, and about to click on that lifetime subscription button, and my MD600 will be shipped soon to its new owner. Before I pack my MD600, I did extended sound comparison, and still think MD600 has (little) more controlled/refined sound compared to Roon (on NUC).

It could be because PC-Fi is serious matter from where I come from, and considers various components when dealing with PC becoming an Hi-Fi audio device. Some examples are SATA filters , there are also USB filters, and CPU fan filters that deals with digital noise, and of course LAN isolators. It is also difficult to supply clean linear power to PCs.

I think Meridian devices are pricey for reason. That said, I am still moving ahead with Roon, because of the convenience and excellent interface, which makes music listening experience much more fun. Attempt to resolve that minor de-graded sound would be my (interesting) homework going forward!

Enjoy~

DSP: DSP6000.2 MKII, Reviver,
Audio: MS200, Super Linear Power Supply 12V1A, SotM ISO-Cat6
Core+Store: ROON on ROCK