Nucleus Plus - Hi-Fi System Roon - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Roon Core Server / Hi-Fi Network Streamer
Brand	Roon
Model	Nucleus Plus
Main Function	Hosts the Roon Core to manage music library, stream to audio devices, and store the database
Control Interface	No onboard display; controlled via Roon app on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, or Android
Audio Outputs	2x USB 3.0 (for DAC/headphone amp), 1x HDMI (multichannel to AVR), Network streaming (AirPlay, Roon Ready, etc.)
Network Connection	Gigabit Ethernet (only wired; no Wi-Fi)
Internal Storage	Supports 2.5" HDD/SSD up to 15mm height (user-installable, not included)
External Storage	USB 3.0 ports for external HDD/SSD, or NAS on network
Streaming Services	Integrates TIDAL and Qobuz
Power Supply	External power adapter (included)
Power Consumption	Low power, fanless design (typical < 20W)
Dimensions (approx.)	200 x 200 x 50 mm (estimated)
Weight (approx.)	1.0 kg (estimated)
Operating System	Custom Roon OS (Linux-based)
Maintenance	Web-based administrative interface accessible via browser
Safety Features	Power button with soft shutdown; hard power-off by holding 4 seconds; low-voltage DC power
Spare Parts & Repairability	User-replaceable internal 2.5" drive; otherwise factory service recommended
Warranty	Standard manufacturer warranty (check with retailer)
Compatibility	Roon subscription required; works with Roon apps and Roon Ready devices

Frequently Asked Questions - Nucleus Plus Roon

How do I set up the Nucleus Plus for the first time?

Connect the power supply and Ethernet cable, then press the power button. Update the firmware via the web interface, connect your storage and audio devices, and install the Roon app on a computer or tablet to control it.

What devices can I use to control the Nucleus Plus?

You can control Nucleus using the Roon app on a Mac or Windows PC, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. Note that phones have limited features; a tablet or computer is recommended for full functionality.

Can I connect a USB hard drive to store music?

Yes, the two USB 3.0 ports support external storage drives. You can also install an internal 2.5-inch SATA SSD or HDD (up to 8TB SSD or 2TB HDD) for additional storage.

How does the Nucleus Plus connect to my network?

The Nucleus Plus connects exclusively via Ethernet. Plug an Ethernet cable from your router or switch into the Gigabit Ethernet port on the back. It does not support Wi-Fi.

What is the Thunderbolt port used for?

The Thunderbolt port is currently not active and may be enabled in a future firmware update. For now, it should not be used.

Can I use the Nucleus Plus with streaming services like TIDAL?

Yes, you can connect your TIDAL or Qobuz accounts to Roon and stream high-quality audio directly through the Nucleus Plus.

How do I update the firmware on my Nucleus Plus?

Access the Nucleus administrative web interface from a browser on your network, then navigate to the firmware update section. Always update before first use to avoid data loss.

What should I do if I already have a Roon installation on another device?

During setup, you can choose to migrate your existing Roon database to the Nucleus Plus. Ensure firmware is updated first, then use the Roon app to transfer your library and settings.

Can I play audio directly from the Nucleus Plus without network streaming?

Yes, you can connect a DAC or headphone amp via USB or an AV receiver via HDMI for direct audio output, in addition to network streaming.

What is included in the box with the Nucleus Plus?

The package includes the Nucleus Plus unit, a Quick Start Guide, a power supply (to connect to the unit), and a power cord (to connect to the power supply). Internal drive not included.

USER MANUAL Nucleus Plus Roon

At the heart of every Roon system is a Roon Core. This is the brain behind the entire Roon experience – it manages your music collection, streams to your audio devices, and stores the Roon database. Nucleus was developed by the Roon team to provide a silent, high-performance, power-efficient appliance to host the Roon Core. Every aspect of the hardware, operating system and software is optimized to make Nucleus the very best way to run Roon-by the same team that made Roon.

Roon account

Nucleus requires a Roon account with an active subscription, which you can purchase at https://roonlabs.com/

If you're trying Roon for the first time, getting started is a snap. If you already use Roon on another device, you can migrate your Roon database to your Nucleus, or you can start from scratch.

Controlling Nucleus

Nucleus has no display or interactive components. To experience Roon, you'll download the Roon app on a Mac or Windows PC, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. Note: Only Mac, Windows, and tablets provide access to all of Roon's features. Due to their smaller screens, the Roon app on phones has a limited feature set.

Playback

There are three ways to use Nucleus to play audio, and you can use any or all of these at the same time:

1. Connect an integrated audio component, DAC, or headphone amp via one of the two USB ports
2. Use the HDMI port to connect to an audio/video receiver (AVR) or other multichannel HDMI device
3. Most Popular: Stream over your network. Nucleus supports many networked audio devices like Airplay, Sonos, 100s of Roon Ready products, and devices with legacy streaming protocols from Devialet, Meridian, Squeezebox, and KEF

Storing your music files

You can use Nucleus with any or all of these storage strategies:

1. Connect an external hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) via USB
2. Install an optional internal HDD (up to 2TB in size) or SSD (up to 8TB in size)
3. Store your files on a network attached storage (NAS) device
4. Connect your TIDAL or Qobuz accounts and import your favorites

What's in the box?

• 1 Nucleus or Nucleus+
• Quick Start Guide
• 1 Power supply (to be connected to Nucleus)
• 1 Power cord (to be connected to the power supply)

Device Details & Back Panel Layout

Nucleus Rev A

Back panel of a black rectangular electronic device showing ports and indicators (no readable text or symbols beyond labels)

- Power button and Power LED

• Press the power button once to turn on the unit or initiate a clean shutdown.
• A dim white LED will be lit when the unit is powered on.
• Hold the power button for 4 seconds to hard power off.

- Power connector

- Connect the power supply here.

- HDMI port

• This port can be used as a multichannel audio output.
• This port can be used for diagnostics by the Roon support team

- Ethernet port

• Connect your Nucleus to your network via an Ethernet cable.
• Nucleus will only connect to your network over Ethernet.
• Note: the lights here should be on and blink even when the unit is not turned on.

- USB 3.0 ports (2)

• Can be used for connecting:
• USB storage drive
• USB audio device
• USB network adapter
• USB CD ripper

- Internal Storage Size

- Supports 2.5" HDD or SSD with a drive height of 7mm or 9mm.

- Thunderbolt port

- Currently not active. May become active in a future firmware update.

Nucleus Rev B

- Power button and Power LED

• Press the power button once to turn on the unit or initiate a clean shutdown.
• A dim white LED will be lit when the unit is powered on.
• Hold the power button for 4 seconds to hard power off.

- Power connector

- Connect the power supply here.

- HDMI port (2)

• This port can be used as a multichannel audio output.
• This port can be used for diagnostics by the Roon support team

- Ethernet port

• Connect your Nucleus to your network via an Ethernet cable.
• Nucleus will only connect to your network over Ethernet.
• Note: the lights here should be on and blink even when the unit is not turned on.

- USB 3.0 ports (2)

- Can be used for connecting:

• USB storage drive
• USB audio device
• USB network adapter
• USB CD ripper

- Internal Storage Size

- Supports 2.5" HDD or SSD with a drive height of up to 15mm.

Setup

1. Connect and power up nucleus

The first step is making power and network connections and starting Nucleus. Learn more...

2. Update Nucleus firmware

Before using Roon with Nucleus for the first time, it's important to make sure your firmware is up to date.

Note: Not updating Nucleus firmware could lead to data loss or a failed migration.

Learn more...

3. Prepare your storage and audio devices

Nucleus will discover devices connected via USB, HMDI, and ethernet at any time, but it's simplest to have these devices connected and powered on before you get started. Learn more...

4. Start using Nucleus

Now that your equipment is connected, it's time to install the Roon app (for Mac and Windows PC) and/or the Roon Remote app for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, and connect to Nucleus. From here, you can migrate an older Roon installation to Nucleus as well.

Learn more...

Maintenance

Nucleus comes with an administrative interface that can be loaded using any web browser. Learn more...

Support

If you need help getting started with Nucleus, you can contact our support team by starting a new topic in the Nucleus Support category on our community site.

Where to Buy

To purchase Nucleus, inquire at your local HiFi retailer (US and International), or order through our Amazon Prime storefront (US only).

https://help.roonlabs.com/portal/en/kb/articles/nucleus-manual