It is generally accepted that splitting server and player duties is beneficial. Hence the common server/player combo of CX/EX, S40/S30, etc.
I have read somewhere that the S30 can be used as a server only, and let something else be the player. I know the S30 strength is as a player and not a server, but ignoring that, how does that work in terms of connection? The S30 has only USB output - it doesn’t have an Ethernet out.
Just for your consideration — while it’s technically possible to configure the S30 as a server (Roon Core or LMS) and have it communicate with a network player over Ethernet, it’s important to realize that this setup is far from optimal. The S30 is really designed to shine as a player.
My suggestion: stick with the S60 + S30 combo and use your current computer (or whatever you’re using now) as the server. You can always add a dedicated PC or Roon Core later on if needed. Have you had a chance to listen to the S30 as both server and player?
Yes I am using the S30 as all-in-one server and player. Sounds very good.
I tried using an Innuos Zenith mk2 as server and S30 as player only. I prefer the S30 as both server player. I am guessing an average computer would be worse than a Zenith mk2 as a server.
I could try using the S30 as server and Zenith mk2 as player, but I don’t know how to configure this.
Easiest with Roon, but still potentially possible with the other options. What’s your preference?
I tend to use squeeze server /squeeze player, with iPeng as the controller.
Have you thought about maybe selling the Innuos and pairing S30 with S40 or CX (maybe even with the optional Oladra G3 upgrade)? Based on the listening impressions you’ve shared here, I can only imagine how amazing that setup would sound. And hey, you already have a great spare AC cable just waiting for a CX 
Thanks Paul, that’s exactly the plan! Want to add both a S40 and S20.
I had 2 Zenith Mk2. Sold one as soon as I got the S30. Keeping one as a spare server/player for now.
Did you get an answer to this?
It doesnt need a direct out RJ45/ethernet, it will send data back to the switch which will forward to the player. I dont know how to set up Squeeze to do this but have no doubt its possible.
As far as I recall, at one point for comparison I had the S30, CX, and EX connected to the same EtherREGEN switch at the same time. Although I never tried the S30 as a server-only setup, I agree it should work in theory. If it’s not in Squeeze server mode, you could try other server modes. As long as the server can detect a player device, it should function, though I would expect it to not perform optimally due to the unusual configuration.
Thanks for your kind follow up. Yes I manage to do this:
Disabled S30 player.
Put Innuos Zenith in endpoint player mode.
S30 then recognized Zenith as a player.
As the S30 only has one Ethernet port, it can’t connect it to the zenith player directly, so the Ethernet signal presumably went from the S30 back to the switch and then back down to the Zenith.
Thanks Paul also. Yes that’s what I ended up with.
Here are my observations in my set up, in order of personal preference:
S30 as combined server and player: best sound overall to my preference: smoother, more organic/ analog-like.
S30 as server and Zenith mk2 as player, connected through a switch. A bit more digital hash. Maybe a tad more mid (in a good way).
Zenith mk2 as server and S30 as player, connected directly with a no brand Ethernet cable. Close but soundstage a bit flatter, a bit more digital hash.
So, what I have learnt so far:
The Ethernet port on a S30 is bidirectional.
The S30+S60 is better than the Zenith mk2 in my own set up as a player, server or all in one. No doubt the Zenith Mk3 , SE and Statement might well be better.
Thanks to all who have helped me.
Correct, all ethernet is bi directional.
The hash might be more revealed rather than caused by Zenith. The option with the most lean and taut bass is probably the most accurate even if it seems to have more hash.
That’s a very good point👍